Canadian veterans pay tribute
The Canadian Veterans' Association (UK) held its annual memorial service to commemorate the anniversary of the second world war Dieppe Raid.
There were many Canadian troops stationed in and around Wisborough Green during the war and for many years this service in Wisborough Green has been an opportunity to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in this action.
The commemoration began with a church service held at St Peter ad Vincula, led by the Rev David Pike, and many Canadian veterans attended to remember those who had lost their lives in the 1942 raid on Dieppe.
The Canadian wartime headquarters were based in Hawkhurst Court near
Wisborough Green.
The assault by seaborne forces on August 19 1942 was known as Operation Jubilee and was a rehearsal for the 'second front.'
It was to give Canadian troops battle experience and also to test techniques and equipment for the D-day landings.
Taking part in the operation were 4,961 Canadians, 1,057 British Commandos, and some US rangers.
Fighting was fierce and casualties were high with 3,363 Canadians lost, along with 607 British Commandos.
Many important lessons were learnt and thousands of lives probably saved two years later in Normandy.
Major General Joe Hinke, the commander of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff, based in London, who represented the Canadian government at the service said: "You need to understand the commitment and sacrifice made by Canadians in their support of the UK.
"This is one of the events that is key to remembering the ultimate price many Canadians have paid."
Following the church service, the veterans and their families, local residents, representatives of the armed services and members of the local Royal British Legion branches held a short remembrance service at the Wisborough Green war memorial.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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