The Dieppe Raid: The Combined Operations Assault on Hitler's European Fortress, August 1942

Die Dieppe raid embodies Britain's costly effort to test a second front and reveal strategic lessons.

Winston Churchill faced immense pressure from Stalin, who demanded a second front to relieve the Soviet Union's burden in the fight against Germany. Although military advice suggested that a French invasion was not feasible for at least another year, Churchill sought a way to support the Russians. The result was the raid on Dieppe, aimed at demonstrating Britain's commitment to opening a sec...