Monumento

Calgary Tank Regiment Red Beach

Francia

Preferiti

Condividi

Indicazioni stradali

On 19 August 1942, Operation Jubilee was undertaken by the Canadian 2nd Infantry Division in Dieppe. As part of this operation, supporting the infantry was the Calgary Tank Regiment, 14th Canadian Army Tank Regiment. The operation was unsuccessful and very costly for the Calgary Tank Regiment and infantry men on the beach at Dieppe.

Additionally, one of the first Landing Craft Tanks to arrive was delayed in deploying its vehicles. The lead tank failed to start, blocking the way for others behind it. It took several minutes to resolve—minutes that exposed the tanks and infantry to intense fire. A key lesson learned was that tanks should be started and warmed up while still at sea to ensure immediate deployment upon landing.

Only 27 of the intended 29 tanks made it ashore; two were lost in deep water before even reaching the beach. An additional 28 tanks from the Regiment were never deployed. The lack of armoured support at the outset and the overwhelming German response following a short pre-bombardment ensured that Red Beach became a killing zone for the attacking forces.

Despite the loss, the operation highlighted some important tactical lessons regarding coordination between infantry and armour, as well as the handling of new armoured vehicles under combat conditions.

The memorial at Dieppe honours those from the Calgary Tank Regiment who were killed during Operation Jubilee. While the mission suffered devastating losses—including all 29 tanks—the bravery of those involved and the lessons learned were pivotal in shaping future Allied amphibious operations.

Indirizzo

Rue Marchel Foch