Dieppe Raid
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Operation Jubilee, commonly known as the Dieppe Raid, took place on 19 August 1942. It was an Allied amphibious attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe in northern France during the Second World War. More than 6,050 infantry, predominantly Canadian and supported by a Canadian tank regiment, were landed by a Royal Navy task force under cover of the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force. The plan called for capturing and holding the port briefly to test the feasibility of a landing, gather intelligence, and demolish German coastal defences, port structures, and important buildings. It was also intended to boost Allied morale, demonstrate Britain's commitment to reopening the Western Front, and support the Soviet Union. The Luftwaffe made a maximum effort; the RAF lost 106 aircraft against 48 German losses, while the Royal Navy lost 33 landing craft and a destroyer. Aerial and naval support proved insufficient. Tanks were trapped on the beach, and infantry was largely prevented from entering the town by obstacles and German fire. After less than six hours, mounting casualties forced a retreat. Within ten hours, 3,623 of the 6,086 men who landed had been killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. About 5,000 were Canadians, who suffered a 68 percent casualty rate. Only one landing force achieved its objective, and a small amount of intelligence was gathered. Both sides learned lessons regarding coastal assaults, influencing later Allied preparations, including the Normandy landings.