Gov. Gen: Dieppe raid forged unique bond between Canada, France

CTVNews.ca Staff
Published Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012 9:25AM EDT
Last Updated Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012 12:46PM EDT

On the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dieppe, Canada?s veterans are remembering those who lost their lives during the pivotal but disastrous Second World War operation.

More than 900 Canadian soldiers died during the failed attempt to wrest the French town from occupying German forces on August 19, 1942.

Seven veterans returned to the beaches of Dieppe on Sunday to honour their comrades, CTV News correspondent Ben O?Hara-Byrne said in an interview from the French coast.

Town residents applauded the Canadian veterans as they walked along the boardwalk, near the beaches where they landed 70 years ago, O?Hara-Byrne reported.

?You just got the impression that it was one of those moments where it became very clear?that everything that happened, as horrific as it was, was deeply appreciated,? he told CTV News Channel on Sunday.

The veterans attended memorials in Dieppe alongside Governor General David Johnston.

?It?s remarkable to see them there, present, remembering their comrades, ensuring that this is a chapter of our history we?ll never forget,? Johnston told News Channel on Sunday.

Johnston said he was especially touched to hear two veterans recite an oath to remember the Dieppe raid, a pledge that was then repeated by two young adults.

The Governor General also attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Canadian Cemetery Les Vertus to honour the fallen soldiers and 3,000 others who were wounded or captured that day.

He was accompanied by several other dignitaries including Veterans Affairs minister Steven Blaney and Canada?s ambassador to France Lawrence Cannon.

In a speech delivered later on at the Square du Canada, Johnston discussed how the Battle of Dieppe helped forge a unique connection between Canada and France.

Acknowledging the losses during the 1942 raid, Johnston noted how Canadian infantrymen returned two years later to liberate the coastal town.

He ended his speech by encouraging young Canadians to listen to the stories of war veterans, and continue nurturing the nation?s unique relationship with France.

Square du Canada is a small park in Dieppe, with a plaque commemorating the raid.

Part of its inscription reads: ??our Canadian cousins / marked with their blood / the road to our final liberation / foretelling thus their victorious return.?

Johnston unveiled another commemorative plaque at the park Sunday and laid a wreath, a gesture he said was made on behalf of all Canadians.

Before his visit, Minister Blaney released a statement saying he was honoured to be among the Canadian delegation travelling to Dieppe.

?We now know that, had the raid succeeded, it could have changed the course of the war. Most importantly, we now know with confidence that the sacrifices of Canada?s Veterans were not in vain,? his statement read.

Also visiting Dieppe this weekend was Canadian veteran Arthur Rossell, now 92.

The Brampton, Ont. resident told CTV News he spent 18 days a coma following the Dieppe raid.

?The Germans could see us perfectly, just like sitting ducks in a pond,? said Rossell. ?So many of the boys dropped dead.?

On Saturday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement thanking veterans for their service and referring to the raid as a ?pivotal moment? in the Second World War.

?As we mark this anniversary, we say thanks to the thousands of selfless Canadians who fought for our country on this solemn occasion,? Harper said.

Back in Canada, a wreath laying ceremony took place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Source: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/gov-gen-dieppe-raid-forged-unique-bond-between-canada-france-1.920532

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