Dieppe

Note the cliffs above the beaches at Diepppe. Also the beach is composed of smallish stones. Not good for tank treads or running!

After 3 days in and around the Ypres area, we can say that we enjoyed Belgium very much. Our next stop will be in and around Dieppe. The scene of the largest disaster of leadership in WWII. There are a lot of reasons for the failure of this plan. When I can upload pics it may be self evident.

In the meantime we continue to enjoy windy but fair weather. Apparently this is unusual for this time of year. In Belgium at least, they receive twice as much rainfall as we do. This explains some of the disasters of WWI and the losses. The clay soils were pounded into mush, just add rain for total disaster.

This is the view of the beach at Dieppe from the German pillbox below. They had this beach covered. The Allies never had a chance.

Dieppe was the disastrous raid also known as 'Operation Jubilee" which claimed over 3000 Canadian casualties. Despite the tragic outcome, the lessons learned provided the Allies with valuable information which was later used to successfully plan the beach landings on D-Day.

Canadian War Cemetary at Hautot-sur-Mer

Sign post on the way to the cemetery.

This is the Canadian War Cemetery at Hautot-sur-Mer where the Canadians killed at Dieppe are buried. This cemetery is unique in that it was laid out by the Germans in their traditional pattern of burial after that raid. It was not changed after the war.

It is always moving to read the inscriptions and see the ages of these men or other life storeys on these stones.

Some of the beautiful roses on the graves. The War Graves Commission has a huge botanical component to it. You can check out the perennials and design at the War Graves Commission Look under "Commission Horticulture" near the bottom of the list.

Again the Queens Own Rifles honoured their dead and laid wreaths. George played the last post.

These cattle came a runing when they heard George playing later. So he did it again to watch them come running.

A bit of levity during a long, sobering day.

Dieppe Area

Dieppe Castle, above the beaches. If you look closely, you can see were damage from WWII has been repaired. (Hint: the brick is a lighter colour)

Another German pillbox , they are all along the coast. Part of Hilter's Atlantic Wall

Another Allied landing area near Dieppe.

A plaque at the beachhead where The Queens Own Rifles played the last Post and laid a wreath.

It reads: You who are alive on this beach, remember that these men died far from home, that others here and everywhere, might freely enjoy life in God's mercy.

The German pillbox that cost so many lives. ...... a more modern use