The Dieppe Raid

Winston Churchill faced immense pressure from Stalin, who demanded a second front to relieve the Soviet Union's burden in the fight against Germany. Although military advice suggested that a French invasion was not feasible for at least another year, Churchill sought a way to support the Russians. The result was the raid on Dieppe, aimed at demonstrating Britain's commitment to opening a second front. Operation Jubilee, as the raid was called, targeted the port of Dieppe, chosen for its strategic importance in any future invasion. The operation, scheduled for 19 August 1942, involved 6,000 infantry, 237 naval vessels, and 74 aircraft squadrons. It was the largest Allied assault on German Channel defences up to that point. While the raid was not the decisive second front Stalin hoped for, it provided valuable lessons for future operations. The debate over Dieppe’s purpose and its high cost has persisted, but it remains a crucial learning experience for the Allies. This official battle summary, written shortly after the war, offers a detailed account based on the recollections of those who participated in the raid, highlighting the lessons learned from this ambitious but costly operation.