65th Anniversary of the Dieppe raid

[Laspalmas]

On August 19, 1942, almost 5,000 Canadians fought in the Dieppe Raid. More than 3,300 of them became casualties, including 913 who lost their lives and 1,946 who became prisoners of war. This week, Canada’s Veterans will return to the beaches of Dieppe to honour the 65th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
This was a huge sacrifice by the Canadian troops in which the allies learned many lessons to help them eventually be victorious on D-day. If it wasn't for the raid, D-Day would have been a monumental disaster and who knows how long the second world war would have dragged on.

Introduction - Veterans Affairs Canada

LEST WE FORGET

[leo]

The Canadian effort at Dieppe was indeed a valiant one. I have often heard that the Allies learned many valuable lessons from this experience. I have never seen these lessons listed. I would be interested to know what they were.

[Sreiko]

I am note sure but think I have some video of this event. If I have I will upload it

[Laspalmas]

Originally Posted by leo

The Canadian effort at Dieppe was indeed a valiant one. I have often heard that the Allies learned many valuable lessons from this experience. I have never seen these lessons listed. I would be interested to know what they were.

"By early afternoon, August 19, 1942, Operation Jubilee was over. Debate over the merit of the raid continues to the present day. Some believe that it was a useless slaughter, others maintain that is was necessary for the success of the invasion of the continent two years later on D-Day. Without question, the Raid on Dieppe was studied carefully in planning later attacks against the enemy-held coast of France. There were improvements in the technique, fire support and tactics, which reduced D-Day casualties to an unexpected minimum. The lessons learned at Dieppe were instrumental in saving countless lives on June 6, 1944"

[WarrenD]

Indeed, I think it was a costly lesson in what not to do. As always, thoughts and prayers go out to the brave Allied soldiers that took part in this operation. Wasn't there a smattering of U.S. troops mixed in with the forces there? A U.S. Ranger unit? I cannot remember.
One bit of trivia I only recently learned though: the first air-to-air vicotry by the P-51 Mustang took place at Dieppe. It went to Flight Officer Hollis Hills, and American, flying a Mustang I with 414 Sq of the RCAF. He was credited with an FW-190.
Definitely a forgotten piece of military history IMHO.

Warren

[Ed]

At that time quite a few people thought that it was the beginning of the "Second Front." We used to listen on the short wave radio of the description and the sarcastic remarks by two Americans who switched allegiances. They were both WW I vets. One was called "Broadway Mike" and the other can't remember his handle but he was just as sarcastic about the failed invasion. They would always sign off with 'Our best regards to "the Shan-grilla twins," Meaning Prez Roosevelt & Winnie. They mispronounced Shangri-la the place where Jimmy Doolittle's planes came from to bomb Japan.

[mike_baram]

I have never seen these lessons listed. I would be interested to know what they were.

1 - Never underestimate your enemy.
2 - Never go in unprepared.
3 - Never forget #1.

[leo]

I read that one of the big lessons was not to attempt an invasion on a well defended city.

Interesting tidbit about the P 51. I wonder if it was an early Allison powered Apache or a later Rolls Royce powered Mustang.

How well did the Allied airforces fare against the Luftwaffe at Dieppe?

[WarrenD]

Leo,
It was an Allison-engined version with the MG's in the nose and the wings. I can't remember the numbers right off hand, but the RAF and Luftwaffe went at each other like pit bulls. The RAF/Commonwealth AF's gave as good as they got IIRC.

Warren