The Dieppe Raid is Canada’s darkest day of the Second World War. It is shrouded in controversy, mystery, and tragedy. This one-day, Canadian-led assault was meant to destroy German defences, collect intelligence, and test new equipment.

However, the reality of the Dieppe Raid was much different.

On the morning of August 19, 1942, over 6,000 Allied troops began the assault on Dieppe. Nearly 5,000 of these men were Canadian. Despite extensive planning, the raid quickly descended into chaos.

Of 4,963 Canadians, only 2,210 returned to Great Britain, including 586 wounded. Eight hundred and seven Canadians lay dead. One hundred more would succumb to their wounds or die in captivity. The Germans captured 1,946 Canadians.

Learn more about the Dieppe Raid through the Juno Beach Centre’s commemorative initiatives below.