The Dieppe Raid Military Disaster or Success?
Learning Goals: I can identify and explain the Allied invasion of Dieppe and can determine using specific evidence, whether this was a success or failure for the Allies. I can analyze the significance of the lessons learned by the Allies during the Dieppe raid, on the successful outcome of the Normandy invasion.
The Dieppe Raid Complete questions #1-8 on the worksheet while watching ‘History’s Raiders: the Dieppe Raid (in four parts). (1/4) (2/4) (3/4) (4/4)
The Dieppe Raid 1. List the significant ‘players’ (people) on both the Allied and Axis sides. General Roberts (Canada) General Montgomery (Britain) 2 nd Canadian Infantry division General Mountbatten (Britain) Josef Stalin (Russia) – primarily wants this offensive
The Dieppe Raid 2. Why was the town of Dieppe chosen (strategically) for this Allied raid? Within close range of Britain Close range of large navy port Port town (easily and efficiently supply troops, weapons and other supplies) Easy access for large destroyers This time was chosen because there were only second rate German soldiers guarding the town (France had already fallen). Gain control over the English channel
The Dieppe Raid 3. Identify the reasons or purpose(s) of the Dieppe raid. Russia demanded that the Allies launch an offensive in the West to divert German attention away from the Eastern Front Canadians needed some actual combat experience (no action for 2 years now) Capture occupied land from the Germans Capture secret German intelligence Allies needed a port in France in order to launch offensives in Europe Trick the Germans into thinking that this was the major Allied offensive to take back German held Europe
The Dieppe Raid 4. Identify the significant details of the raid (e.g. when? time of day? where specifically? divisions? military leaders?). August 19, 1942 (postponed 2x previously due to bad weather) Early morning (5am, storm the beaches) Code name Operation Jubilee 6000 Allied troops in total – 5000 Canadians, 50 US Army Rangers, 1000 British Commandos and RAF
The Dieppe Raid 5. What were the specific objectives, the Allies wanted or needed to accomplish? Capture and hold a major port on the French coast Paratroopers sent in early to take out German batteries Divert German attention away from the East Lure the Luftwaffe into the air Initial bombing run on the beaches to take out the coastal guns and anti-aircraft guns Surprise attack, under the cover of darkness Clear (moonlit) skies Good sea weather Efficient and effective tank divisions for ground cover of landing troops
The Dieppe Raid 6. What was the outcome of the raid? Massive disaster for the Allies Germans knew exactly when and where the raid was coming Only 2 German casualties Allied casualties Allied POW’s taken by the Germans 2200 Canadians return
The Dieppe Raid 7. Identify what lessons were learned at Dieppe that helped the Allies to successfully launch the Normandy Invasion. Better technology needed (tanks needed to navigate seawalls (Arc tanks), Flail tanks which could take out barbed wire and mindfields Built Mulberries – artificial concrete harbors which were towed into the beaches of Normandy Communication between Allied divisions had to be maintained Take out German communication lines early on Extensive aerial bombardments ahead of landing invasion Extensive naval bombardment ahead of landing troops Too many postponments at Dieppe which compromised the Allied security – need to ensure Allied intelligence and security Reconnaissance ahead of time
The Dieppe Raid 8. In your opinion, was the Dieppe Raid a success or failure in the grand scheme of the war? Explain.