TITLE: How the Royal Navy Cleared the Scheldt to Antwerp

DESCRIPTION: Antwerp, third greatest port in Europe, has already received large convoys of ocean-going ships carrying huge quantities of supplies for the Allied armies. This was one of the big strategic prizes of a lightening sweep into Holland, and it is now shortening supply lines by nearly 200 miles. The port lies barely 60 miles from the German frontier, has nearly 30 miles of births, 16 dry docks for ocean-going ships, and quays along the Scheldt for at least three miles. But before we could realise all these fine facilities it was necessary for the Royal navy to sweep the Scheldt Channel clear of mines. Once again the Navy played a vital part. Photo Shows: Minesweepers in harbours at Terneuzen after a day's mine sweep. (Picture issued December 1944)