The Walcheren Causeway was a link between the mainland and the strategically important Walcheren Island in southwest Holland. In October 1944 the Calgary Highlanders were ordered to capture this vital causeway during the Battle of the Scheldt. After several costly assaults by the Highlanders, a small bridgehead was established on the island.

However, under heavy enemy counter attack, the advance companies of the Highlanders were forced to withdraw. The Highlanders suffered 64 men killed, wounded or missing during the Battle of the Walcheren Causeway. To this day, the Regiment considers the battle a supreme testament to courage, determination, and endurance.

The Walcheren Causeway (known by the Dutch as the Sloedam) was the link between the mainland South Beveland Peninsula and the strategically important Walcheren Island in southwest Holland. The control of this island was essential to allow Allied shipping unrestricted access to the important port of Antwerp in Belgium.

The Calgary Highlanders, as part of the 5th Canadian Infantry Brigade along with the Black Watch and Le Regiment de Maisonneuve were ordered to capture this vital causeway and establish a bridgehead on the island.

Walcheren Causeway at the time was about one kilometre long but only 40 metres wide. After several costly assaults by individual companies of the Highlanders, a small bridgehead was established on the island. However, with casualties mounting and under heavy enemy counter attack, the advance and support companies of the Highlanders were forced to withdraw.

The Highlanders sustained 64 casualties during the intense fighting on the Walcheren Causeway. The battle continues to be commemorated annually by the Regiment to represent all actions of The Calgary Highlanders during the Second World War.