Mayor in France for Dieppe Raid memorial services

A GROUP representing Newhaven Town Council attended Dieppe Raid memorial services in France last week at the Mayor of Dieppe's invitation.

The Mayor of Newhaven, Cllr Dennis Forsdike, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jo Lewry, and town clerk Ian Everest laid seven wreaths at ceremonies to mark the 60th anniversary of the raid on Dieppe and its surrounding villages.

In attendance were 138 Canadian veterans who were flown over on an all-expenses-paid trip by the Canadian government.

Up to 50,000 people lined the streets of Dieppe to honour the survivors and their fallen comrades.

Cllr Forsdike said: 'The residents of Dieppe greeted the veterans with such warmth and affection, it felt as if the town was being liberated.'

On their trip back across the Channel the Newhaven group were joined by 90-year-old Major-General Robert Houghton, formally of the Royal Marines, who took part in the raids.

After discovering he and the Mayor were on board, the Hoverspeed Superseacat captain invited them up to the fast ferry's bridge.

Town clerk Mr Everest said: 'Maj-Gen Houghton said he had a wonderful time in Dieppe with his old pals but coming back on the Seacat and sitting in the captain's chair had made his visit.'