Operation Spring, the Canadian assault on Verrières Ridge, is a significant chapter in Canadian military history. On July 25, 1944, the Black Watch, a Montreal-based English-speaking battalion, displayed immense bravery in the face of a staggering blow, with over three hundred casualties in a single day. The actions of Major Frederick Philip Griffin, a young officer of only 26, are the subject of intense scrutiny and debate.

During the battle, less than half of the battalion reached the top of a ridge, where a well-camouflaged enemy position was discovered. The surprised Canadians saw that enemy tanks and self-propelled guns had been hidden in haystacks; this unexpected discovery significantly altered the course of the battle. Griffin, sadly, had no choice but to order a retreat for the troops. 

Griffin’s body was found several days later, surrounded by his fallen comrades. His final action as an officer appears to be sending a message to the Black Watch’s support company, telling them not to send reinforcements because “We have too many men trapped here now.” The loss of over 300 men makes the Black Watch among the most deadly of any Canadian operations during WWII.