OPERATION CHARIOT

OPERATION CHARIOT 
By Jean-Charles Stasi.

The second world war would produce many incredible missions into enemy-held territory. Few can be more well known then 'Operation Chariot' and the ST Nazaire raid of 1942. 
Briefly, the mission involved Bomber Command, the Royal Navy and Commando forces in a combined operation. The plan was to destroy the dry dock and other facilities at the French port.

Originally published in French and now thankfully translated for the Casemate Illustrated series, the author's research led him to Allied and German archives as well as interviews with veterans and local French people.
His flowing narrative explains the reasons behind the raid, the planning, recruitment and the extensive training that was carried out before that infamous night in March 1942.
As always with this series, the narrative is assisted with many excellent photos which I haven't seen in other books and also includes many fabulous graphics and original documents.
Amongst the profiles are those of the destroyer 'Campbeltown' with comparable before and after graphics of how this once American ship was reconfigured to look more German and thus less suspicious as it sailed towards St Nazaire and past German eyes.
The operation was deemed a success, but came at a huge cost in dead, wounded and captured. In all, 74 decorations including five Victoria Crosses would be awarded, many posthumously.

 I have read several books and biographies on this story and this fabulous book adds a great deal to the both the story of the operation and the incredibly brave men who took part.
A very highly recommended read and one of the best in an always excellent series.

The paperback edition is available now and published by Casemate. 
I thank Script Books, an imprint of Pen and Sword Books, for this review copy. 

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