On August 19, we will mark 80 years since the Dieppe Raid, a particularly devastating part of the Second World War for the Canadian military. The sacrifices and achievements of those who gave so much to help restore peace and freedom to the world will never be forgotten.
Although extremely valuable lessons were learned in the Raid on Dieppe, a steep price was paid. Of the 4,963 Canadians who embarked for the operation, only 2,210 returned to England, and many of these were wounded. There were 3,367 casualties, including 1,946 prisoners of war; 916 Canadians lost their lives.
Code-named Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid was the first significant action seen by Canadian soldiers in Europe during the Second World War.
Yesterday, an official Government of Canada delegation started its journey to France to take part in a series of events to mark this solemn anniversary.
The delegation includes Veterans of the Second World War, including Gordon Howard Fennell who took part in the Dieppe Raid on 19 August 1942.
Other members of the delegation include representatives of Veterans and Indigenous organizations, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian youth and parliamentarians.
Veterans Affairs Canada will also host commemorative events in Canada to mark this milestone. An official Government of Canada delegation will participate in commemorative ceremonies in Dieppe Gardens in Windsor, Ontario.
The delegation travelling to Windsor, Ontario will also include Veterans of the Second World War, local Veterans and Indigenous representatives, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, youth and parliamentarians. Four of the Veterans who will be part of this delegation served in the Second World War, including John L. Date, who took part in the Dieppe Raid.