Operation Jubilee: The Disaster at Dieppe

Overview

• Operation Jubilee: Also known as the disaster at Dieppe.
• Objective: Test Hitler's fortress Europe by seizing a major port, gathering intelligence, destroying defenses, and then retreating.
• Date: August 19, 1942.
• Outcome: Failed to achieve objectives, resulting in heavy casualties.
• Forces Involved: More than 200 allied ships and landing craft, with over 80% of the troops being Canadian.

Attack Details

• Landing Locations: Beaches with code names - Green, Red, White, and Blue.
• Initial Assault: Royal Air Force fighters strafed German positions, British warships bombarded the shore, and 6,000 troops stormed the beaches.

Beach-specific Events

• Blue Beach (East): The Royal Regiment and Black Watch pinned against a sea wall under heavy enemy fire.
• Green Beach (West): Raiders attempted to cross a river via a single bridge, heavily defended by Germans.
• Red & White Beaches (Dieppe itself): Canadian tanks stalled on the beach stones, leading to soldiers being caught in crossfire.

Evacuation and Casualties

• Evacuation: Chaos ensued as British commanders ordered a retreat, with many shot or drowned while trying to escape.
• Casualties: Totalled 3,629, including 907 dead and 1,874 captured.
• Media Reaction: Initially reported as a victory, but the true cost led to national shock in Canada.
• Eyewitness Report: CBC reporter Robert Bowman highlighted the bravery of Canadian troops despite the heavy losses.

Legacy

• Historical Significance: Known as the Canadian Army's costliest day of the war, remembered with infamy and regret.