The Sloedam is a 1 km long dam, that was constructed in 1871, as a necessary part of the Roosendaal-Vlissingen Railway, the so-called Zeeuwse Lijn (Zealandic Line).
After heavy fighting, Zeelandic Flanders (south of the Scheldt) and Zuid-Beveland (to the north) were freed from German control by Canadian forces.
However, Walcheren island, north of the river mouth, still contained a large German force that controlled access to the Western Scheldt.
The next day, soldiers of the 52nd (Lowland) Division crossed the Sloe to the south and attacked the German positions at the Sloedam from the rear.
The attack on the Sloedam as intended as a diversion for Operation Infatuate, the capture of Walcheren by amphibious troops landing on the west and southern parts of the island.