After crossing the Leda River near Eklum, the Canadian troops met no initial resistance and entered Leer without any casualties. Lieutenant Jack Saunders led his platoon along the left side of a street towards the City Hall, while Lieutenant Bruce Nickerson’s platoon cleared buildings on the right.

​As the platoon advanced, they noticed two German soldiers darting between houses on a side street to their right. When they spotted two more attempting to slip away, Lieutenant Bruce Nickerson made a quick decision. To prevent any threat of being flanked, he redirected his platoon to clear that street. Moving swiftly, they pursued the fleeing German soldiers and managed to corner and capture them in a yard.

​By this point, Lieutenant Nickerson and his men were significantly ahead of Lieutenant Jack Saunders' platoon and found themselves near the city’s key civic building, the City Hall. The lack of sentries suggested that the enemy had abandoned their positions. Confident that the building was empty, Nickerson approached cautiously, finding the door unlocked. Accompanied by his sergeant, Lawson, he entered the building.

​Once inside, they discovered another door that led to a large chamber. To their surprise, it was filled with twenty German Officers, including a Brigadier, three Colonels, and numerous maps and documents spread out on the table. The German Officers turned in shock, clearly not expecting to be interrupted by enemy troops. After a tense pause, they surrendered without resistance. Nickerson quickly realized that the fleeing sentries had betrayed their positions, failing to alert their superiors.

​Outside, the captured officers were thoroughly searched by the platoon. Captain Fairwater soon arrived to assess the situation. Without delay, he ordered Nickerson to redirect his platoon towards a nearby German Naval Hospital. The objective was to secure the facility swiftly. Advancing with caution, the platoon found the hospital undefended, and they secured it without encountering any resistance.

​By this point, the Canadian troops had established firm control over the western half of the town. With their sector secured, it was now time for the next phase to continue, expanding the bridgehead to the north. The operation was progressing according to plan, with momentum on the side of the Canadian forces.