On August 19, 1942, a secret amphibious operation, Jubilee, destined for tactical failure, launched from England with the goal of seizing the port town of Dieppe, holding it for 24 hours, and then withdrawing. 

The larger strategic objective was to assure Russian leader Stalin that the Allies were still in the game and prevent him from seeking a separate peace with the Germans who were preparing for the siege of Stalingrad. The Allies saw this as an opportunity to test operational concepts in preparation for a larger assault to regain a hold on the northern edge of the European continent.

No matter the significance of the raid to the larger war effort, the soldiers who crossed the English Channel that day were committed to giving their all as they sought to honor the commitment they made to their nation. Among them was a chaplain who for many was known only as Chaplain X.

The Rev. John Weir Foote, a Presbyterian minister, had joined the Canadian forces in 1939 and was in theater attached to a light infantry regiment. He had gained knowledge of the operation through visitation among his men and had insisted he be included in the assault. His Commander assigned him to the landing team as a stretcher bearer. Only the Lord knew how much work the chaplain would have.

Thought there is still debate, the assault was destined for failure from the outset due lack or planning and preparation. No attempt was made to neutralize heavy fortifications on the hills behind the port nor was there adequate attention given to ensure the element of surprise. The landing craft ran into coastal patrols on the way to the beach and thus were the defenders alerted and prepared before the boats were in view. The assault was not called off and in the midst of chaos and confusion, waves of troops continued to hit the beach even after withdrawal was ordered.

Chaplain Foote remained committed to his ministry and delivered first-aid and morphine to dozens of injured soldiers; repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire to retrieve the wounded; and gave up his spot on the last departing craft to wade back ashore and surrender along with nearly 2,000 of his compatriots.

Rescued from Stalg 10B 34 months later, Foote was one of only 16 Canadian soldiers and the only Chaplain to earn the Victoria Cross in the Second World War. When asked about his exploits that long day in August he responded, "You can't be a padre and not go where the troops go - that's all I did. When I went in with the regiment and stayed with the men, there was nothing else I could have done."

How blessed we are as chaplains to stand in the line of such stalwarts as Chaplain John Foote. May we all learn from his call to service.