'The stories of that day still live on': Winnipeggers mark 80th anniversary of Dieppe Raid
The sound of bagpipes rang through Vimy Ridge Park Thursday under a stormy sky, as dozens gathered in a sombre remembrance to honour and pay tribute to the soldiers who died on the beaches of Dieppe.
The ceremony marked the 80th anniversary of Operation Jubilee, more commonly known as the Dieppe Raid.
"By coming together as Winnipeggers and sharing the stories that so many still carry with them from their family members who served at Dieppe, we're showing our veterans the respect and the gratitude for the high price that they paid and ensuring that we never forget what they did for us on that fateful day," said Lt.-Col. Jon Baker, commanding officer of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada.
The timing of the ceremony, which started at 8:30 p.m. by the Cameron regimental monument, was also important.
"Right now, 80 years ago represents early morning of (August) 19 in the English Channel when members of the Cameron Highlanders were on their boats, in transit, getting ready to storm the beaches," said Baker, noting the seven-hour time difference in France.
"We've chosen this time to actually reflect the time when the soldiers were getting ready to have the fight of their lives."
He said more than 6,000 Canadian soldiers went ashore that day, including 503 from the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders based in Winnipeg.
Operation Jubilee was the first Canadian army engagement in the European theatre of the war, with 76 Camerons dying in the raid along with more than 900 Canadians.
Baker said the anniversary is an important one to recognize, especially in Winnipeg.
"I've realized over the last couple of days that this is a significant historical event for the City of Winnipeg – the city where the soldiers from the Cameron Highlanders were recruited from," he said. "Although there are not many that are still with us today, the stories of that day still live on with their families who continue to reside in the city."
-with files from CTV's Kayla Rosen
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated J&J cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.