St Nazaire Raid: Operation Chariot - 1942 French Coast: Operation Chariot, Channel Ports

by James G. Dorrian

In early 1942, shipping losses in the Atlantic threatened Britain's very survival. In addition to the U-Boat menace, there was real concern that the mighty German battleship Tirpitz be unleashed against the vital Allied convoys. Yet only the 'Normandie' Dock at St Nazaire could take her vast size in the event of repairs being required. Destroy that and the Tirpitz would be neutralized.Thus was born Operation CHARIOT, the daring Commando raid that, while ultimately successful, proved hugely costly. Using personal accounts, James Dorrian describes the background and thrilling action that resulted in the award of five Victoria Crosses.In a dramatic final twist of events, once the battle was over, the converted former US warship Campelton blew up wrecking the dock gates and killing many Germans who thought the battle was won.

Genres: World War II, Military Fiction, Military History, Nonfiction, History

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ross Safford · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a mess!

This wasn't the retelling of a well known and rather romantic tale from WW2. It chronicled a not so well known raid that some would have us believe was not particularly successful. More importantly, it illustrated the kinds of sacrifice made by innumerable individuals during all facets of the war. If it weren't for these persons, the world that we live in today would be very different. I recommend reading it.

[Sheldon L. Theodore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Masterpiece…Of A Sort

Readers of historical works expecting a work of the kind that Walter Lord or Michener might write will be disappointed. This is nothing less than a history of a major World War II raid written with the intent to immortalize the brave men who conducted, planned, and executed it. The many direct quotes of the participants, photographs, maps and commentary will be valuable to researchers, as well as those interested in visiting the site of the raid today. If you’re hoping for an exciting novel, you’ll be disappointed.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pictorial account of the raid in 1942.

I read this book after reading the 1958 account by C. E. Louis Phillips, mainly for the many pictures of the structures spoken of, and to fill in details of facts not known at that time. The reading accomplished my goal. However. I found the text a bit dry after Mr. Phillips rather glowing account of the men and their actions. Still, a book I would recommend for those wanting a clearer picture of the operation.

[Steve Howarth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid.

Solid and informative. Clearly shows the typical fiasco of UK bureaucracy and petty empire building in taking the hardest way possible to do a task. An impressive achievement by men, overachieving, despite their equipment and superiors.

Missed the opportunity to include French and German accounts.

[Michael Jarvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive account of Operation Chariot. Perhaps lacking in terms of its use of French and German sources, it is nevertheless a useful resource for those wishing to learn more about this incredibly daring exploit from World War Two.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good story about an heroic raid. In my opinion more could have been provided on the development of the concept of the mission, and it was hard to follow the detail of all of the action as it was very specific.