The operational plan's second phase called for the 2nd and 3rd Divisions to take the Hochwald Forest. Following its capture, the 4th Canadian Armoured would sweep through the Hochwald Gap towards Wesel,Bercuson, p. 265 followed by the 2nd Division "leap-frogging" towards Xanten. Operation Blockbuster was scheduled for 27February, but despite initial gains, stubborn German resistance prolonged the battle for six days.Zuehlke, p. 171 It was not until 3March that the forest was cleared—during the intense close-quarter fighting, Major Frederick Tilston of the Essex Scottish Regiment won a Victoria Cross.
