the forcing of the sambre–oise canal took place on 4 november 1918. participating in the operation were the 2nd battalion royal sussex, as well as the 2nd manchesters, to which the poet wilfred owen belonged. the lancashire fusiliers also took part in the battle. the british forces were to cross some fields surrounded by high hedges, then cross the canal at a point where there was a lockhouse. the germans had this area defended with machine guns and rifle teams.