In early 1942, the Axis forces were winning on all fronts. The Soviets, struggling against the Germans, wanted the Allies to open a new front in the west to take the pressure off.

While the state of the Allied forces ruled out a major landing in Europe before 1943, the decision was nevertheless taken to attempt a raid on Dieppe, in Normandy. Strategically located, the town was within reach of the Royal Air Force, which meant air support could be provided to the troops fighting on the ground. The aim of the operation was to test the German defences, gather intelligence and destroy as much strategic infrastructure as possible: coastal defences, aerodrome, radar station, power station, etc

At dawn on 19 August 1942, a little over 6 000 men, including 5 000 Canadians, 1 000 Britons, 50 US Army rangers and a handful of Free French fighters landed at five different points along ten miles of coastline defended by the Germans. Operation Jubilee had begun. It was to end in tragedy.