August 15, 2007
Ottawa - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, will lead the Government of Canada's official delegation to France to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, from August 16 to 21, 2007. The Canadian delegation will include Veterans, representatives with Veterans' organizations, parliamentarians and youth.
While in France, the delegation will visit several of the beaches upon which Canadian troops landed 65 years ago, as well as the Cimetière des Vertus (Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery), where 707 Canadians are buried. The delegation will also participate in ceremonies of remembrance at some of the many monuments erected in honour of the fallen. Canadian Veterans will be welcomed by the citizens of Dieppe with a variety of public ceremonies and parades planned in their honour.
On August 19, 1942, almost 5,000 members of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division landed as part of Operation Jubilee, a raid on the enemy-held port of Dieppe, France. During what would become one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War, Canada suffered more than 3,300 casualties, including 913 Canadians who lost their lives. Another 1,946 Canadians were taken prisoners of war.
Despite the heavy losses, Allied commanders would later credit the Dieppe Raid for strategic and tactical improvements that saved countless lives during the D-Day landings at Normandy two years later.
The anniversary of the Dieppe Raid will also be recognized at special events across Canada, from Ottawa to Dieppe, New Brunswick, and from Longueuil, Quebec to Iqaluit, Nunavut.
More information on in-Canada and overseas events, including reports and photos, can be found on the Veterans Affairs Web site.
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468
Richard Roik
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
