North West Europe, (year dates)

The Second World War

Date

10 May 1940 – 19 August 1942

Geographical parameters

(no geographical parameters defined)

Context

A theatre honour incorporating several battles and engagements ^{Footnote 1}

Description

After the German occupation of France in 1940, raids were one of the ways Allied troops sought to strike back. Throughout 1942, a series of raids were carried out, the largest of which was the Dieppe Raid by 2nd Canadian Division on 19 August 1942.

During the operation, landings by Canadian troops and British commando units took place in five areas: Berneval, Puys, Pourville, Varengeville and the main landing force at Dieppe On most beaches, there were difficulties landing troops on time and in the right place while the presence of high sea walls at Puys and Dieppe made it difficult for men to get off the beaches.

In all areas, the German defenders reacted strongly to the landings and the evacuation was difficult. Of the around 5,000 Canadians who embarked for the operation, nearly 2,000 were taken prisoner, more than 900 killed and many others wounded. This was the largest number of casualties for any Canadian operation during the Second World War. ^{Footnote 2}

Awarded to:

Currently Serving Units

• The Essex and Kent Scottish ^{Footnote 3}
• Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal ^{Footnote 4}
• The King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) ^{Footnote 5}
• The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada^{Footnote 6}
• The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) ^{Footnote 7}
• The Royal Regiment of Canada ^{Footnote 8}
• The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own) ^{Footnote 9}

Unit on the Supplementary Order of Battle

• The South Saskatchewan Regiment ^{Footnote 10}