Operation Chariot – The Greatest Raid Of All
On Sunday, 16th March 2025, Falmouth will honour a pivotal moment in its military history. At 11 am, the annual service of remembrance for the St Nazaire Raid will take place on Prince of Wales Pier. This solemn ceremony will pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of those who took part in Operation Chariot—one of the most daring and courageous missions of World War II. Often hailed as “the greatest raid of all,” this audacious operation came at a great human cost, with over 160 men killed in action and many more captured or wounded. The sheer courage displayed during this operation was recognised with five Victoria Crosses awarded, one of the highest honours for bravery in the face of adversity, a testament to the exceptional heroism of those who participated.
At the heart of the raid was HMS Campbeltown, an ageing destroyer that had been modified for this single, fateful mission. Setting sail from Falmouth on 26th March 1942, the destroyer was stripped of unnecessary weight and packed with concealed explosives hidden within its hull before being deliberately rammed into the gates of the Normandie Dock at full speed. Hours later, with German forces believing the danger had passed, the delayed charges detonated in a thunderous explosion, obliterating the dock and rendering it useless for the remainder of the war. With the Normandie Dock out of action, the Germans lost the only dry dock on the Atlantic coast capable of servicing their flagship, the formidable battleship Tirpitz. Deprived of a vital repair facility, Tirpitz was unable to operate effectively in the Atlantic, significantly reducing the threat it posed to Allied convoys. The destruction of the dock was a decisive strategic blow, forcing the Germans to keep Tirpitz in Norwegian waters, where it remained a contained but largely neutralised menace for much of the war.
Despite its huge strategic success, the human cost of Operation Chariot was immense. Of the 611 British and Allied personnel who embarked on the mission, only 228 returned. More than 160 men were killed in action, and a further 215 were captured and became prisoners of war. This meticulously planned act of daring, combined with the unwavering courage of the commandos who fought fiercely on the ground, exemplified the extraordinary bravery of those who undertook Operation Chariot. Their willingness to risk everything for the greater cause is a testament to the spirit of self-sacrifice and heroism, which remains a defining chapter in the history of British naval operations, and each year, Falmouth pays homage to those who gave so much.
On Prince of Wales Pier, a lasting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in Operation Chariot stands in the form of a dedicated memorial. Unveiled by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on 11th July 2008, the memorial consists of a series of engraved stone tablets that recount the story of the daring raid and honour those who took part. The carefully inscribed words serve as a permanent reminder of the courage displayed on that fateful night in March 1942. Visitors to the pier can pause at any time to read the stones, reflect on the immense sacrifices made, and pay their own quiet respects to the heroes of the St Nazaire Raid.
The memorial, alongside the annual service held on the pier, plays a vital role in bringing together veterans, civic leaders, local organisations, and members of the public to reflect on the extraordinary courage displayed during Operation Chariot. Wreaths are laid, tributes are spoken, and moments of silence are observed, ensuring that the legacy of those who fought and fell is never forgotten. The town’s connection to this historic event remains deeply felt, and each year, Falmouth stands in quiet gratitude for the sacrifices made in the name of duty and freedom.
