At 13:30 on 2 September 1944, the Essex Scottish Regiment (ESR) advanced north to Dieppe, liberated the previous day. Their Headquarters and accommodation was this school, the Jules Ferry, which had been used by German forces during the occupation period. The men of ESR reported it had most necessities but lacked furniture and lighting.

They were permitted to enter Dieppe with a 22:00 curfew. Those that went into town reported very little damage from air raids or demolition by retreating German soldiers. In town, the regimental pipe band played a concert for the men and civilians.

The 3 September marked the fifth anniversary of the outbreak of war. The men of ESR considered it a great day, that and the enemy was on the run everywhere.

In the morning, the ESR attended a remembrance service alongside civilians at Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery. On each grave of a man from the ESR, flowers were laid to remember those who had fallen during Operation Jubilee in 1942. Other Canadian units attended what was described as an impressive service under deep blue skies.

At 14:00, a parade was held in the main square of Dieppe where the ESR marched past the army command. The men then headed down to the Esplanade for another short service close to the tobacco factory, including the playing of the last post, the lament and long reveille.

Lieutenant Colonel Bennett then took the men on a battlefield tour as they studied and discussed the action from 1942. This included contributions from RSM Dixon and others who were lucky to escape back to England. It was recorded that the men found this interesting, touching and impressive to hear of the bravery of those who went before them.

For the next two days the men were free to enter town. Dinners were held and the language barrier was overcome with signs. They found alcohol on sale in town was very expensive, and few were able to afford it. There was recreational time for the men with a basketball tournament, and religious services were held by the two padres. Clothes were washed, boots were shined, socks changed, and the battalion was in good shape.

On 6 September at 12:15, the ESR moved out from Dieppe. The German forces were still in retreat and needed to be pursued. The ESR had had time to rest, replacements had been bought in, and they had been glad to have been inside the school rather than in slit trenches in the ground.