Canadian Air Force taking part in Dieppe memorial unveiling

By Holly Bridges

A computer representation of the new Essex Scottish Memorial on the Esplanade at "Red Beach" in Dieppe, France.

A small contingent of Canadian Air Force Officers and Non-Commissioned Members serving in Europe on exchange will attend an important ceremony tomorrow marking the unveiling of a new memorial in honour of those Canadians who fought and died on one of the bloodiest battlegrounds of the Second World War – the beaches of Normandy at Dieppe. 

A contingent of approximately 160 Canadians will attend the ceremony, which takes place on “Red Beach” at Dieppe, France.  The memorial pays tribute to those members of the Essex Scottish Regiment, one of seven Canadian units involved in one of the bloodiest raids of the war, which occurred on August 19, 1942.

The raid was composed of more than 6,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen; just under 5,000 of the raid participants were Canadians. The Essex Scottish Regiment was one of the seven Canadian units involved in the operation and suffered extreme losses with between 30 and 40 per cent of its personnel either killed or wounded in a matter of hours on that one day alone.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Canadian Air Force also participated in the raids on Dieppe flying fighters and bombers overhead.

Lieutenant-Colonel Spurge Stewart, Commanding Officer of NATO AWACS 2 Squadron in Geilenkirchen Germany, is proud to be representing the Air Force at the event, saying how delighted he will be to see two RAF Spitfires performing a ceremonial fly past.  One of the “Spits” actually flew over Dieppe during the raid.

“I’ve been in the Air Force as a pilot flying for 29 years with almost 9,000 flying hours so for me to see these airplanes will be a highlight for me, especially knowing one of them was actually involved.”

Canadian personnel serving overseas in Europe are often called upon to attend these kinds of remembrance services and LCol Stewart is only too happy to oblige.  “When this came up, I immediately said yes.  It’s so important that we remember the sacrifices of all those who contributed to the freedom we enjoy today.”

The Dieppe Memorial will be a lasting tribute to those Canadians who made the supreme sacrifice and will be open to the public as of tomorrow.  Organizers plan to use the memorial to educate Canadian youth on the sacrifices made by members of the Essex Scottish Regiment and all those who participated in the infamous, yet pivotal battle in the Second World War.