Ottawa – The Department of Veterans Affairs, issued the following statement marking the 73rd anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
“Seventy-three years ago, on August 19, 1942, one of the most tragic days for Canada during the Second World War and in all of Canadian military history took place on the beaches of Dieppe, France.
“Nearly 5,000 of the 6,100 Allied troops who fought in the Dieppe Raid were Canadian. The sacrifices made were tremendous as only 2,210 returned to England, and many of them were terribly wounded. Casualties totaled 3,367, including 916 men who lost their lives and almost 1,950 who were taken as prisoners of war and forced to endure harsh treatment.
“The lessons learned from the Dieppe Raid were important to the success of later Allied amphibious assaults, including D-Day, and that knowledge saved many lives. The efforts of these Canadian troops eventually helped ensure victory and restore peace to the people of occupied Europe during the Second World War.
“We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who spent years in prisoner of war camps, and those who came home damaged in body and in spirit. We remember those who will never grow old so that future generations can live in peace. We remember all Canadians who served, and who continue to serve, in the cause of peace and freedom. Lest we forget.”
For more information on the Dieppe Raid, visit veterans.gc.ca.
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Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
