Dieppe – ‘Operation Jubilee’ (three-day tour)

August 19th, 2017 marked the 75th Anniversary of the raid on Dieppe codenamed ‘Operation Jubilee’.

The objective of the raid was to land a predominantly Canadian force, seize and hold the port for one tidal period. 

The gathering of intelligence has now been proven to be quite possibly the real reason for the raid and its connection to the German Enigma machine. As well as these objectives, the raid would also build morale back home and show commitment to our Russian allies.

Practically none of these objectives were met. The raiding force was by and large trapped on the beaches and in less than 10 hours, the last Allied troops had all been killed, evacuated or captured by the Germans.

Itinerary

Day One: Depart by coach from your chosen UK collection point and proceed to Dover for our channel crossing by ferry and then on to Dieppe to check in to our hotel overlooking Red Beach. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day Two: Our tour day will include visits to the landing beaches covering those on the outer and inner flanks.

The outer flanks include Yellow Beach that was attacked by No 3 Commando and Orange Beach, attacked by No 4 Commando and led by Lord Lovat (Lt Col Simon Fraser).

Blue Beach at Puys was one of the inner flank beaches and assaulted by the Royal Regiment of Canada. A 20 minute delay proved fatal for them and they suffered horrendous casualties.

On Green beach we see where the South Saskatchewan Regiment came ashore and Commander Lt Col Merrit won the Victoria Cross (Merrits Bridge).

We then look at the main landings on Red and White Beaches by the Essex Scottish and Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regiments and later the Mont Royal Fusiliers who were the floating reserve.

Walking the length of these beaches we discuss landing techniques and the German defences that they had to overcome before walking to the harbour. Its here that we discuss what the ‘Enigma Theory’ is and what is quite possibly the real reason for the raid.

While walking around the harbour we point out the objectives including the German Naval Headquarters located in Hotel Moderne.

Finally we visit the Canadian Cemetery and pay our respect to the fallen.

Day Three: Today sees us leave our hotel and journey back to Calais and our channel crossing back to the UK.