Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Dieppe

OTTAWA, Aug. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the 74^th anniversary of the Battle of Dieppe:

"On this day – 74 years ago – thousands of Canadian soldiers, alongside Allied forces, launched a raid on the German-occupied port of Dieppe.

"Canadian and Allied infantry faced heavy resistance as soon as they landed. They fought through barbed wire, mortar barrages, and machine gun fire. Many never made it beyond the beach where they landed.

"In the air, Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force fighters and bombers waged one of the most intense air battles in the whole war.

"After nine hours of fighting, Canadian and Allied forces withdrew.

"The operation came at a steep price for Canada. More than 3,300 Canadians were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner.

"These sacrifices were not made in vain. The raid on Dieppe led to a better understanding of enemy defences and laid the groundwork for future Allied amphibious assaults – including D-Day.

"On this solemn day, we honour the courage and sacrifice of the thousands of Canadians who fought alongside Allied forces in Dieppe.

"Let us remember those who gave so much so that we could enjoy the peace and freedoms that we do today."

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

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