St Nazaire: Operation Chariot - The Greatest Raid of All

[Johnny]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Nazaire_Raid

 

70 years ago today.

 

Unbelievable audacity and bravery.

The fact that 5 VCs and 84 other decorations were awarded to the raiding party shows the level of bravery displayed.

 

Jeremy Clarkson presented a very good documentary on the raid a while back.

Even if you don't like him, it was very well made and worth a watch (it's available on YouTube - Search for Jeremy Clarkson's greatest Raid of all time)

[MHillyard]

Extraudinary Raid

 

Full video here:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QWaMWApQ5Q

[Smithy]

I watched it at the time but just sat and watched it all again. An amazing raid and bravery of the highest order from all that took part.

[stevenivers]

Amazing bravery , I wouldn't wanna ride in a wooden boat with a large fuel tank on the deck under the sights of German machine guns !

[MHillyard]

Sergeant Durrant, in his position abaft the bridge, where he had no cover or protection, engaged enemy gun positions and searchlights on shore. During this engagement he was severely wounded in the arm but refused to leave his gun. The Motor launch subsequently went down the river and was attacked by a German destroyer at 50-60 yards range, and often closer. In this action Sergeant Durrant continued to fire at the destroyer's bridge with the greatest of coolness and with complete disregard of the enemy's fire. The Motor Launch was illuminated by the enemy searchlight and Sergeant Durrant drew on himself the individual attention of the enemy guns, and was again wounded in many places. Despite these further wounds he stayed in his exposed position, still firing his gun, although after a time only able to support himself by holding onto the gun mounting. After a running fight, the Commander of the German destroyer called on the Motor Launch to surrender. Sergeant Durrant's answer was a further burst of fire at the destroyer's bridge. Although now very weak he went on firing, using drums of ammunition as fast as they could be replaced. A renewed attack by the enemy vessel eventually silenced the fire of the Motor Launch but Sergeant Durrant refused to give up until the destroyer came alongside, grappled the Motor Launch and took prisoner those whe remained alive. Sergeant Durrant's gallant fight was commended by the German officers on boarding the Motor Launch. This very gallant Non-Commissioned Officer later died of the many wounds received in action.

 

http://www.jamesgdorrian.com/VCs.html

[utt61]

Extraudinary Raid

 

Full video here:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QWaMWApQ5Q

 

Thank you for posting that link. I hadn't seen the film before, and it is simply compelling. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things in extraordinary times. Probably Clarkson's best documentary sofar.

 

If you haven't seen it, do watch it.

 

And to think that there are those who casually use the word "hero" to describe modern footballers and the like; they have no idea what a hero really is.

[Redherring]

Extraordinary really. "...We've done what we came to do and that's that..." Lions; all of them.