Fifth Army began moving forwards again in early October after the battles of the Canal du Nord and St Quentin Canal. During this advance the 'heavies' were mainly used for HF tasks on the enemy's roads and tracks, and for concentrations on headquarters and the exits of villages. The enemy withdrew to the Escaut in mid-October. By now the offensive had turned into a pursuit, and many of the heavy batteries had to be left behind waiting for roads and bridges to be rebuilt. Fifth Army prepared to make an assault on the Escaut on 11 November, but the Germans retreated out of reach on 8 November. Hostilities were ended on 11 November by the Armistice with Germany.