The Dieppe Raid
On 19 August 1942, the Canadians landing at Pourville were fortunate enough to achieve some degree of surprise. The initial opposition was light as the South Saskatchewan Regiment and Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada assaulted the beaches. Resistance stiffened as they crossed the River Scie and pushed toward Dieppe proper. As a result of heavy fighting, the South Saskatchewan Regiment was stopped well short of the town. Meanwhile, the main force of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders pushed on toward their objective, an inland airfield, and advanced some three kilometres before they too were forced to halt. Both regiments then attempted to withdraw.
The two regiments lost heavily during the withdrawal. The enemy was able to bring fierce fire to bear upon the beach from dominant positions east of Pourville and from the high ground to the west. Allied landing craft came in through the resulting storm of fire with self-sacrificing gallantry and supported by a courageous rearguard, the greater part of both units successfully evacuated, though many of the men were wounded. Unfortunately, the rearguard itself could not be brought off and, when ammunition ran out and further evacuation was impossible, the men were forced to surrender.
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Merritt was awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership and courage at Pourville. Despite the bravery and dedication of Merritt and his men, the death toll on Green Beach was devastating. In just a few short hours, 84 of the South Saskatchewan Regiment and 76 of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders lost their lives. Their sacrifice is commemorated here at this memorial in Pourville.
Inscription
ICI
Le 19 aout 1942
A DEBARQUE SUR CETTE PLAGE
LA 2E DIVISION CANADIENNE
COMPRENANT DES ELEMENTS DU
SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN REGIMENT
ET DU
QUEEN'S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS DU MANITOBA
Translation:
"Here, on August 19, 1942, landed on this beach the 2nd Canadian Division comprised of elements of the South Saskatchewan Regiment and the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Manitoba"
Directions
Pourville is a small town roughly 6 kilometres west of Dieppe on route D75. The Green Beach Memorial at Pourville is located in the centre of the town beside the local church on rue du 19 Aout 1942.