Dieppe Propaganda

On August 19, 1942 Canadians took part in a failed raid against German defenders in Dieppe, France. The four hour raid numbers amongst the largest military blunders in the second world war, and was certainly Canada's darkest moment. Green troops launching an ill-advised amphibious assault without adequate naval and air support is a recipe for disaster; 4,384 out of 6,086 participants in the raid were casualties (killed/captured/wounded) and no tangible objective was met.

Fast-forward to September 1944. In support of Operation Market Garden, Canada was tasked with securing the Scheldt (Belgium / Netherlands). One of the cities that had to be liberated before this could be accomplished was Dieppe. In advance of their invasion, the Germans bombarded the Canadians with the following pamphlets:

Hello Boys of 2nd Canadian Division!

Here you are again, after those nasty hours at Dieppe where out of 5,000 brave lads of the Royal Regt., the Essex Scottish, the Mont Royal Fusiliers, the Camerons, the South Sasks, the Black Watch and the tank gunners of the Calgary Regt., only 1,5000 escaped death or capture.

Now your division is in for the second time.

First your pals - and now you.

It was a lousy trick they played on you that time, wasn't it?

Why exactly were you forced to do it?

Every child know now that the whole Dieppe affair was nothing but a big bluff.

First the Bolshies had to have their Second Front for which they so urgently clamoured.

Secondly the Brass Hats needed "Invasion-Experience" and quite naturally they wouldn't think of sacrificing any Limeys in a job like that. Surely you understand...

Now joking aside - this thing is much too serious. We haven't the slightest intention of poking our noses in your affairs. But we Germans honestly despise the idea of having to fight against decent fellows like you, inasmuch as we know you're not fighting for yours truly or for Canada.

You know that only a few old scraps of paper bind you to England, an England that in its entire history has never done a damn thing for Canada that would help its future. Canada's sole purpose has always been to fight and bleed for England.

In the next few days this God damn slaughter will start again. WE can't help it, since we are, after all is said and done, fighting for our very existence.

But WE WARN YOU Hitler didn't give up France for the fun of it.

Let those who gain fight their own bloody battles.

Crossposted to Bound by Gravity