Few actions in the Second World War have provoked more controversy than the Dieppe Raid. It was in one sense a disaster – the losses were appalling : out of a force of 6,000 men less than 2,000 returned. Yet it has also been argued by no less an authority than Sir Winston Churchill, that without the experience and lessons gained at this terrible price the success of the European invasion could not have been achieved. Of one thing there is no doubt. The Dieppe Raid will remain a story of human heroism and sacrifice seldom matched in the annals of war. -- From the book jacket.

Originally published as Dieppe at dawn by : London : Hutchinson, 1956.

Jubilee sails -- The birth of the plan -- Three o'clock in the morning -- The yellow beaches -- Six o'clock -- The orange beaches -- Seven o'clock -- Blue beach -- Eight o'clock -- Green beach -- The main assault -- The floating reserve -- The Royal Marine commando -- Nine o'clock -- The way back -- The fight for Pourville -- Dieppe: before the withdrawal -- Vanquish -- The air battle -- Return ticket -- The propaganda battle -- Success of a reconnaissance -- Failure of a raid -- The lessons learned.