In September 1944, Allied troops, including the First Canadian Army, led by General Harry Crerar, begin an advance from Normandy, France where the beachhead was secured. The constant attacks by naval, air and ground forces had devastated the communication systems, rail, road and bridges of the northern coast, and forced the Allies to use a long supply route. A race to create new, shorter supply lines now took place, With the steady flow of supplies assured, the "road to the Reich" was opened.