​​At 06:30 were issued for Canadian units were ordered to advance into Rouen. It was unknown if withdrawing German units were still in the city.

​The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, supported by the Highland Light Infantry, advanced along the eastern banks of the River Seine into the city. It was not long before civilians reported German soldiers crossing the river further north. This intelligence was quickly acted upon, resulting in 100 German soldiers being spotted and many of them killed.

​The advance continued in Rouen and more civilians gathered in the streets to greet the Canadian troops, who at t first believed they were in for a frosty greeting. They had begun to received complaints about the bombing of the city by the Royal Air Force.

​However, the mood of most civilians was very different as the soldiers approached the city square. There were thousands of jubilant people in the streets - described as a ‘typical’ newspaper reception. People were overcome with joy as they laughed, cheered, cried and shook hands. There were over excited civilians who wanted to hug and kiss the soldiers on the cheek as they passed through the city. The soldiers commented that everywhere they went they were stopped by cheering crowds.

​The lead scout car, finally able to leave the main square and move northwards, was described as resembling a ‘May Day’ parade float rather than military vehicle. It was covered in flowers from the crowds.

​A reminder of German occupation focussed some people’s minds, as men and women were marched through the city to the main jail said to have been collaborators with the German forces. This was a scene replicated in many towns and cities across France after liberation.

​Six allied airmen even appeared in the square, a British, New Zealander and four American aircrew who had been shot down over the area, evading German capture. They were also finally free to come forward and be repatriated back to their units.

​Civilians came forward, amongst them Resistance fighters, wanting to help the Canadian units advance. They offered information on where they believed German units were still in position. One French man came forward with maps detailing where the German minefields were in Dieppe. The Canadian Army noted - ‘The spectacle witnessed today leaves no doubt in one’s mind as to the righteousness of our cause’.​