August 10th, 2021.




At around 2:30pm on Sunday, the weather finally relented with a period of sunshine for the annual march and memorial service at the War Memorial Green in Newhaven, for the 79th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.

The event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Sir Peter Field KCVO, the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Mr. Miles Jenner DL, Maria Caulfield MP and Cllr. Lesley Boniface the Town Mayor of Newhaven, accompanied by the Mayors of neighbouring towns and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Veterans Groups and Cadet Forces.

Of particular note was the attendance of Major Jacqueline Field, Warrant Officer Shannon Hyland and Petty Officer Daniel Hyland of the Canadian Forces Support Unit (Europe) London Detachment representing the Canadian High Commission, who laid wreaths commemorating the predominantly Canadian Forces involved in the raid who were killed.

In a poignant service led by Rev Martin Miller of St. Michael’s Church, Newhaven, wreaths were laid commemorating all 3623 allied personnel killed during the operation, with floral posies laid by the children of WO and PO Hyland, representing the children of Canada.

The Mayor of Newhaven, Cllr Lesley Boniface said, "It was wonderful to welcome so many to Newhaven’s annual commemoration of the allied servicemen who lost their lives as part of this operation. Even after 79 years I believe it's extremely important that we continue to remember the sacrifices made and I hope that next year’s 80th anniversary will be a very special occasion."


Councillor Boniface will be unable to join the usual Dieppe Raid commemorative events in France on Thursday August  the 19th to mark the precise anniversary, but she will be at the War Memorial Green in Newhaven at 1.00pm on that date, should you wish to join her.