The raid on Dieppe, France—Operation Jubilee—on August 19, 1942, was a pivotal moment in the Second World War. With virtually all of continental Europe under German occupation, the Allied forces faced a well-entrenched enemy. Canadians made up the great majority of the attackers in failed raid, which nevertheless provided valuable lessons for the successful D-Day invasion, two years later.
By the time Operation Jubilee began in August 1942, the Royal Canadian Air Force's 401 “Ram” Squadron was an established fighter squadron although, as with most RCAF units, it was a mix of experienced pilots and men fresh from the training mill.
Their day-to-day life would have focused on learning the intricacies of their deadly craft, both as individuals and part of a flight, punctuated by fighter sweeps and escort duties. Fighter Command was very much in an offensive frame of mind and carried the fight to the Luftwaffe at every opportunity.
401 Squadron is formed
Ram Squadron was initially formed at Trenton, Ontario, as No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron on September 21, 1937. Mobilized for war at September 10, 1939 at Saint-Hubert, Quebec, it moved briefly to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, before proceeding overseas on May 28, 1940. After distinguishing itself during the Battle of Britain, and to prevent confusion in accordance with Royal Air Force (RAF) policy, it was renumbered “401” Squadron on March 1, 1941 while stationed at Driffield, Yorkshire.
When orders came for the…
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