Philippe Chéron, Thierry Chion, Olivier Richard.
One of the objectives of the South Saskatchewan Regiment is the radar station Freya, situated on the heights east of Pourville. British scientists want to get their hands on the equipment and the records of the station. For that, it is necessary to involve a radar expert. The British Air Ministry begins research and turns quickly to the Flight Sargeant of the Royal Air Force, Jack Nissenthal.
But who is this mysterious man?
Jack Nissenthal, a Jewish refugee from Poland in England, is passionate about radio and television since his childhood. He becomes a researcher, even expert, in the secret field of the radars. He's the ideal candidate for this mission of enquiry on the capabilities of the station at Pourville. Moreover, this man doubles as an excellent athlete. Nevertheless, possibility of his capture is viewed with gravity. His knowledge concerning English radar is such that it is especially important that he not end up alive in German hands.
But who can guarantee that he'll not speak under torture?
Only some soldiers of "A" Company are aware of this man and know about his role. They are charged to protect him, but also to intervene if they feel there is a risk he will fall into German hands. Nissenthal also carries a capsule of cyanide.
The group succeeded in getting close to the station but were not able to penetrate it. Jack Nissenthal cut the lines leaving the radar station. British listening service realized that the Freya Station was not giving any security other than the traditional detection radio electric system. One of the first German secret systems is therefore penetrated. After that the group accompanying Nissenthal to the beach, in a state of confusion, lost sight of each other. They thought that Nissenthal fell victim to German fire on the pebble beach. In fact, he had successfully boarded a landing craft.
Following this, Nissenthal refuses a promotion in the RAF, which would have taken him from his technical work. He is named director of the new radar station protecting the Suez Canal. He then became technical advisor to the South African Air Force. He later gives his resignation, but continues to live in South Africa.
Many years later, while on holidays in Greece in August of 1967, he reads in a veterans' journal that there will be a veterans commemoration of the Dieppe Raid of August 19, 1942. He decides immediately to fly to France to see his old combat comrades.
Many are those, thinking he had disappeared, recognize him, saying "There is the guy I was told to kill." (Les Thrussell who received the military medal raid sur Pourville.) That night Nissenthal finds himself in a pub with John Foote, Pat Porteous, and Cecil Merritt, the three officers who received the Victoria Cross for their actions during the attack at Dieppe. Many young Canadian soldiers then enter the bar in order to shake the hand of the famous Jack Nissenthal (who had changed his name to Jack Nissen). Is there any greater thanks than this?
Translation by GC Salmers, BA MLS, et. L. Betzema. - 2Dec2004