"In the spring of 1942, the military situation of the Allies was still precarious, despite the entry into the war of the United States. Japan dominated the Pacific, the German forces penetrated deeply into the USSR. The British 8th Army had to withdraw. in Egypt and Europe remained Nazi.
The invasion of Europe could not yet be attempted. However, it was decided to mount a major operation on the port of Dieppe. And this in order to make the Germans fear an attack on the western front, and to force them to reinforce their defenses on the Channel to relieve the Soviet army.
Despite many drawbacks (cliffs, pebbles, ...), the allies were chosen for Dieppe for the size of the town and the distance from England (aerial cover). The purpose of this operation is to gain experience on how to seize a well defended port.
On August 19, 1942, at dawn, 6,100 men, including 5,000 Canadians, British Commandos and soldiers from the occupied countries, were preparing to disembark at eight points along the coast, between Berneval-le-Grand and Sainte-Marguerite- on sea. Its code name: Operation Jubilee. The attack was supported by the Royal Navy and Allied squadrons. The plan was to see landings deployed in 5 different locations, on a front of about 16 kilometers. Four side attacks were to begin at dawn: Varengeville - Orange Beach 1 & 2, Berneval-Yellow Beach 1 & 2, Puys - Blue Beach, Pourville - Green Beach.
The frontal attack took place at Dieppe - Red Beach & White Beach. When the units landed on the beach at Dieppe after the cannons of 8 destroyers were fired, they were nailed to the beach by deadly crossfire. At the same time, the squadrons of the Royal Air Force and the Curchill tanks of the Calgary Regiment were tasked with shooting at the German defenses. But a delay in navigation and heavy fire prevented the tanks from supporting the infantry at the start.
In Dieppe, tanks will not be able to enter the city. A few soldiers from Essex Scottish landed on the east side of the beach tried to force their way into town through obstacles and barbed wire. Some succeeded in taking the casino and entering the city where they were killed or taken prisoner.
The evacuation began at 11 a.m. and by 1 p.m. all fighting was over. The Allied losses were considerable: nearly 1,200 dead (including 907 Canadians), 2,340 prisoners, 119 planes and the destroyer Berkeley destroyed.
A single English commando will neutralize a battery in Varengeville-sur-Mer. On all the beaches, the Canadians suffered heavy losses and had to re-embark, leaving behind their equipment but above all 3,000 men, killed or prisoners.
Two years later, in memory of the tragic events of the raid which claimed the lives of many Canadians, the honor of liberating Dieppe on September 1, 1944 was left to the 2nd Canadian Division. "