20 July 1945
First Canadian Army

Personal message from the Army Commander
(To be read out to all Troops)

Instructions have been received, and word has gone forth, that "Headquarters First Canadian Army" cased to be on 31 July, when "Headquarters Canadian Forces in the Netherlands" replaces it, and that I am then to hand over command of these forces to Lieutenant General G. G. Simonds, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., and return to Canada. The time has come, therefore, for me to say "goodbye" to all ranks of the Canadian Army, yet in this country.

In spite of the thrill which comes to me, as it would to any Canadian soldier, at the thought of returning to Canada after these years overseas, none the less, it hurts to make this final break away from all of you, whom I have commanded, and with whom I have served. It has made a grand record, this First Canadian Army - and in its ranks has been a great spirit of comradeship. It is not easy, at the end, to make the break.

I have issued a number of messages to you during the campaign. This will be the last one. In addition to saying "goodbye", however, I felt the need to tell you that I have been deeply conscious of the loyalty and support which all of you have always given to me. You have never failed to fulfill your dangerous and difficult share of the operational tasks which, as Army Commander, I have been charged to carry out. As the result, the record of the First Canadian Army in its many battles, from Normandy to NorthWest Germany, has been one of unbroken military success.

Thank you for everything you have been, and done. May good fortune and great happiness be yours. And, may we meet again in Canada.

H. D. G. Crerar General
GOC - in - C
First Canadian Army