Definition of a raid

[jmm99]

FMFM 7-32, Raid Operations (3 Dec 1993):

This manual explains doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (DTTP) for raid operations conducted by Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs). It highlights the advantages, disadvantages, and other critical factors every commander and staff member must consider during planning and execution of a raid operation.

and MCWP 3-43.1, Raid Operations (23 Dec 2002) (basically the same manual in one pdf allowing copy extraction):

Chapter 1
Raid Design

"Nothing is so devastating as to pounce upon the enemy in the dark, smite him hip and thigh, and vanish silently into the night." Brigadier Orde Charles Wingate Burma, 1943

A raid is an operation, usually small scale, involving a swift penetration of hostile territory to secure information, confuse the enemy, or to destroy his installations. It ends with a planned withdrawal upon completion of the assigned mission. Raids may be conducted as separate operations or in support of other operations. Examples of separate operations include raids for psychological purposes, destroying enemy assets not susceptible to other action, harassment, to gain combat information, as spoiling attacks to keep enemy forces off balance, and to recover or rescue friendly personnel and equipment.

One can't argue with the "smite him hip and thigh" brigadier as to that thought. As to the actual Chindit operations, reality didn't always correspond to that desired end.

Dieppe (from RHLI, The Raid on Dieppe):



involved heavy Canadian losses - with mixed reviews as to whether that large-scale raid had any redeeming long-term impact:

By early afternoon, Operation Jubilee was over. Conflicting assessments of the value of the raid continue to be presented. Some claim that it was a useless slaughter; others maintain that it was necessary to the successful invasion of the continent two years later on D-Day. The Dieppe Raid was closely studied by those responsible for planning future operations against the enemy-held coast of France. Out of it came improvements in technique, fire support and tactics which reduced D-Day casualties to an unexpected minimum. The men who perished at Dieppe were instrumental in saving countless lives on the 6th of June, 1944. While there can be no doubt that valuable lessons were learned, a frightful price was paid in those morning hours of August 19, 1942. Of the 4,963 Canadians who embarked for the operation only 2,210 returned to England, and many of these were wounded. There were 3,367 casualties, including 1,946 prisoners of war; 907 Canadians lost their lives.

The deepest penetration was by a squad of Montreal Frogs (err, Fusiliers) led by SGT Pierre Dubuc.



Regards

Mike