Faces of the Dieppe Raid
Canada’s history is best told through the stories of the people who lived it. However, as the years pass, this living memory is quickly fading.
Without this first-hand knowledge, how do we keep the memory of Canada’s Second World War experience alive for generations to come? We asked Canadians if they had a connection to the Dieppe Raid—through family or friends—and the response was incredible.
These are the Faces of Dieppe, submitted by you.
Stanley Earl Gilbert
Toronto, ON
Royal Canadian Corps of Signals
"Initially declared as "missing in action" after the Dieppe Raid, his wife finally learned he was safe days later. He returned to England with his fellow Canadian soldiers and carried on – in spite of the direct trauma he faced."
Photo source: Courtesy of James Gilbert (grandson)
Private Thomas Joseph Garrison
Hamilton, ON
Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
"He was loyal and loved to the very end."
Photo source: Courtesy of Leanne Jay (granddaughter)
Raymond DeKelver
Calgary, AB
2nd Field Co. Canadian Engineers
"When he finally came home, he chose to soldier on. He reenlisted and served for more than 25 years."
Photo source: Courtesy of Aidan DeKelver (son)
Corporal Herman Cyril Keys
Balcarres, SK
The South Saskatchewan Regiment
"Met with a storm of bullets, Herman fired a machine gun for over 20 minutes giving his fellow soldiers cover to escape – saving many of their lives."
Photo source: Courtesy of Russell Keys (son)
Sapper George L. Fortnum
London, ON
Royal Canadian Engineers
"Back home, his wife Ruby knew in her heart he was still alive. Her instincts were right – Fortnum was taken as prisoner of war. They reunited after 3 years, to live and grow old together."
Photo source: Courtesy of Sean Wilson (interviewer)
Private Robert Henry Megson
Oakville, ON
Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
"His beloved May received a letter informing of her husband's death. His remains were never found."
Photo source: Courtesy of Matthew Megson (great grandson)
Private Neil Sommerville
Hagersville, ON
Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
"Sommerville served as a stretcher-bearer evacuating the wounded, following the tragic results of Operation Jubilee. He was declared "missing in action" the same day."
Photo source: Courtesy of Brittany Sommerville (great granddaughter)
Corporal Frank Howard Weaver
Winnipeg, MB
Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
"Two years after earning his rank as Corporal, he headed to the shores at Dieppe. The next day, after the Dieppe Raid, he was reported "Missing In Action." His death was confirmed in the following days."
Photo source: Courtesy of Jim Morris (step-nephew)
Trooper Archie Frederick Anderson
Calgary, AB
Calgary Tanks
"On that day, he courageously served –in battle, and while recovering the wounded and dying from the waters until he could find no more survivors."
Photo source: Courtesy of Chad Anderson (grandson)
Private Robert Arthur Montague Baker
Windsor, ON
Essex Scottish Regiment
In a letter addressed to his sister one month later, he wrote:
"All I got out of it was the experience of going into the face of fire and seeing men die all around me."
Photo source: Courtesy of Gilda Baker Everett (daughter)
Private Jean-Jacques Lachapelle
Limoges, ON
Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal
"Refusing to stand by as the war broke out, he joined Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal at the age of 20, and left his home for war."
Photo source: Courtesy of Sylvie Lachappelle (daughter)
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