Seventy years ago, in August 1942, the Allies mounted a major raid on the German occupied port of Dieppe and the adjacent beaches. Operation Jubilee has become one of the most controversial actions of the Second World War. It has often been difficult to separate the reasons for the raid from justifications given following its costly failure. There was great pressure from Russia to create a 'second front' and for this the Allies were not yet ready. A major raid would test both the feasibility of capturing a port and the problems of a seaborne invasion using newly developed weapons and techniques. But did the 'lessons learned' justify the scale of the disaster? We will visit the landing areas, discussing in each case the aims and the events of 19th August 1942. Seeing the ground is always a most important reason for a visit to any battlefield. At Dieppe the impact is particularly strong. It is difficult, even today, to stand on the beach at Puys where the Royal Regiment of Canada was annihilated, without a sense of grief and anger.

We will see where the Canadian regiments landed and consider the obstacles they faced, at Red, White, Blue and Green beaches. We discuss their valiant attempts to go forward in the face of strong German defences, and their withdrawal with heavy losses. At Berneval in the east and Vasterival in the west the commandos' task was to neutralize the coastal batteries on either flank and the action of No 4 commando on the cliffs above Orange beach was the only real success of the day.

The commemorative ceremony will be held in the CWGC cemetery on the heights above the town and you will also have free time in this beautiful cemetery.

You will be accompanied by Colonel Simon Doughty and Dr Graham Dunlop, (former Commanding Officer 40 Royal Marrine Commando - which fought at Dieppe - and the Special Boat Service).

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Friday): Depart Victoria Coach Station London 0900. Cross the Channel by Eurotunnel and drive west to St Valery en Caux. Introductory lecture by Dr Graham Dunlop. Dinner and overnight (3 nights).
Days 2-3: Details of commemorations are not yet available. Itineraries will include: No 3 Commando at Berneval (Yellow beach). The defences at Puys (Blue Beach). Jack Nissenthal and the Radar station. Pourville and the landing at Green Beach. No 4 Commando success from Orange beach - 3 VCs won. Commemorative ceremonies TBA. The main landing areas – Red and White beaches - the cliffs and gun emplacements. The CWGC cemetery and memorials. Lunch breaks in Dieppe.
Day 4: Complete itinerary and special visits. Cross channel by Eurotunnel. Approx ETA Folkestone 1800, London VCS 2000.