Article content
Members of the Essex & Kent Scottish regiment returned to the stony beaches of Dieppe, France, on the weekend to commemorate the town’s liberation from Germany 80 years ago.
To mark the occasion, they were given the honour of leading the commemorative parade Sunday along with the Essex & Kent Pipes and Drums band, just as Canadian soldiers did on Sept. 1, 1944, when French citizens showered their liberators with flowers and gratitude.
Article content
Dieppe is also well known in Essex and Kent County for what is often ranked among the darkest days in Canada’s military history.
It was there, during the Second World War in 1942, that Canada suffered its greatest loss of lives on a single day.
The doomed raid on Dieppe beaches claimed 907 Canadians, left 2,460 wounded and 2,000 prisoners of the Nazis.
For the 80th anniversary commemoration, the Canadians received a special invitation to participate in the three-day memorial, which culminated Sunday with a parade through the streets of Dieppe. About 30 people joined the Essex & Kent Scottish contingent for the historic event.
“Being here on this day is so incredibly meaningful for us,” said Pipe Major Alexander Rocheleau.
“To follow in the historic footsteps of those gallant liberators is both humbling and awe inspiring.”
The visit included gravesite tours at the Canadian Military Cemetery, a battlefield excursion, receptions and ceremonies and a visit to the Essex & Kent Scottish memorial at Red Beach.
Regiment members were able to mingle with citizens of Dieppe. Colonel in Chief of the regiment HRH Prince Michael of Kent also participated in the events.
The trip was funded by the Scottish Borderers Foundation — the official foundation of the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment — and by a contribution from the Windsor Family Credit Union.
Share this article in your social network
