One Day in August: Ian Fleming, Enigma, and the Deadly Raid on Dieppe

In 1942, 1,000 British, Canadian, and American commandos died in the French port of Dieppe in an operation that seemed to have no real purpose. Historian David O Keefe uses classified intelligence archives to prove that this raid was part of a pinch policy designed to capture material relating to the four-rotor Enigma Machine.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2020
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd

In a daring operation that unfolded in August 1942, nearly 1,000 British, Canadian, and American commandos found their fate in the French port of Dieppe. For decades, this operation appeared to have no clear purpose, leading to speculation about its significance. Was it a dry run for D-Day, or perhaps a gesture by the Allies to appease Stalin's impatience for a second front in the West?

Historian David O'Keefe, armed with hitherto classified intelligence archives, has uncovered a remarkable truth: this catastrophic and seemingly futile raid was, in fact, a meticulously planned mission. Set up by Ian Fleming of British Naval Intelligence, it was part of a strategic pinch policy aimed at capturing vital material related to the four-rotor Enigma Machine. This machine was instrumental in breaking the **** codes, and its acquisition would have a profound impact on the course of the Second World War.

"The Dieppe Raid: A Mission to Break the Enigma Code" is a fast-paced and convincing book that sheds light on decades of misinformation about this ignoble raid. O'Keefe meticulously weaves together historical evidence, personal accounts, and classified documents to paint a vivid picture of the events that unfolded in Dieppe. He reveals the intricate planning that went into the operation, the bravery of the commandos, and the tragic consequences of their mission.

One of the key revelations in the book is that the Dieppe Raid was not just a haphazard attempt to seize the Enigma Machine. It was part of a larger strategy designed to weaken the German military and pave the way for a potential invasion of Europe. The commandos were tasked with infiltrating the heavily fortified French port and capturing the German garrison, which would provide valuable intelligence about the enemy's defenses and tactics.

However, the raid was not without its challenges. The commandos faced fierce resistance from the German forces, and the operation was plagued by logistical difficulties and poor communication. Despite these obstacles, the commandos managed to achieve some success, capturing a number of German soldiers and recovering valuable intelligence.

However, the ultimate failure of the Dieppe Raid was a devastating blow to the Allied forces. The operation resulted in the loss of nearly 1,000 lives, and it tarnished the reputation of the commandos who had risked their lives to carry out the mission. It also raised questions about the effectiveness of the Allied strategy and the wisdom of engaging in such high-risk operations.

Despite its flaws, "The Dieppe Raid: A Mission to Break the Enigma Code" is a valuable contribution to the history of World War II. It sheds light on the complex web of intelligence operations that played a crucial role in the war, and it reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy.

In conclusion, "The Dieppe Raid: A Mission to Break the Enigma Code" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of World War II. It is a fast-paced and convincing book that sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of the war and provides a fresh perspective on the events that shaped the course of the conflict. Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, historian David O'Keefe has brought to life the story of the Dieppe Raid and its profound impact on the world.

Weight: 778g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785786303