The Dieppe Raid

On 19 August 1942, more than 6,000 Allied troops, most of them Canadian, landed along the coast of occupied France during the Dieppe Raid. Within hours, the operation had ended in disaster, leaving thousands killed, wounded or captured.

Beginning in Dieppe, this full-day battlefield tour follows the Canadians from the beaches where they came ashore to the surrounding cliffs, villages and fortified positions that shaped the battle. Stand on Blue Beach at Puys, explore the battlefield at Pourville and discover surviving Atlantic Wall defences hidden among the picturesque white cliffs of the Normandy coast.

The day concludes at Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, where many of those who fell during the raid remain buried.

Although historians continue to debate its legacy, the Dieppe Raid exposed serious weaknesses in Allied amphibious planning. Many of its lessons influenced preparations for the Normandy landings and the successful Canadian assault on Juno Beach less than two years later.

Tour itineraries may be adjusted to accommodate weather, traffic, site accessibility, commemorative events or the interests of guests. Private and customised battlefield tours are available upon request.