Dieppe Raid

Dieppe Raid (World War II) (19 Aug. 1942) An amphibious raid on the French coast to destroy the airfield, port, and radar installations of Dieppe. Some 1,000 British commando and 5,000 Canadian infantry troops were involved. There was considerable confusion as landing-craft approached the two beaches where they met heavy fire. The assault was a failure and the order was given to withdraw. In one morning of fighting, almost 3,400 Canadians and more than 500 British soldiers and officers were killed or captured. German coastal defences sank one destroyer, thirty-three landing-craft, and shot down 106 aircraft. The raid, which had been postponed once and had virtually no chance of success at the outset, raised serious questions among the Canadian public about British use (or misuse) of Canadian troops in battle. For the Allies, the raid offered many useful lessons for later landings in Italy and France, not least the need for meticulous planning and total security. By contrast, it was a warning to the Germans, who strengthened their extensive coastal defences on the French North Sea and the Atlantic.