St Nazaire Raid 28th March 1942

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 04/04/2009 09:44:32

Just found this set of links to a video about the raid which may be of interest to some. The first has the build up and reasons for the raid but also contains some film footage of the Lofoten Islands Raid. The others contain film footage, and includes various interviews from people who took part:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wji2_target-st-nazaire-1_people

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wjwd_target-st-nazaire-2_people

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wk5e_target-st-nazaire-3_people

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wkai_target-st-nazaire-4_people

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wkgo_target-st-nazaire-5_people

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wkm5_target-st-nazaire-6_people

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 04/04/2009 10:56:39

Hi Pete

Some excellent video links, also the the previous German Archive material was both interesting and moving. There was an excellent documentary made about this operation simply called "The Raid On St Nazaire" which was actually written and presented by one of the participants Micky Burn. It was made in 1974, and the thing that sets it apart from all other documentaries concerning this raid is the fact that there are no historical "talking heads" all those taking part in the doc actually took part in the raid or were German defenders. This makes it a unique human as well historical pruduction as most of those men are no longer with us, indeed the interviews in the vidoe links that you have uploaded are actually taken from this documentary. I have tried to obtain a copy, and after no success I eventually contacted the BBC / DVD Release Dept on 0207 612 3120, however they infromed me that this has not been put out for sale to the public and that there were no plans to do so in the near future. The last time that I remeber this doc being broadcast was Good Friday in 1990, I did actually record it on video, but unfortunately the cassette broke. I wonder if an official request to have this doc released on DVD, could be presented by the CVA, it would make an excellent item to be sold on the site shop, just a thought as this might carry more persuasive clout than my humble request did.

Cheers Andy

wow ,where do u guys get these links from?? tremendous, Pete

Here are the links to Jeremy Clarkson's programme on the raid. Its in six parts but if you haven't seen it , it is worth watching. So put the kettle on or pour yourself a wee dram and watch this excellent programme:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgF0R4dhUqk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5q8eU9ku2Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL1kwL7SK1A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBj9K03ygU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzHB2dyKfSM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBWaxyRdW80

http://chariot-heroes.blogspot.com/

http://www.jamesgdorrian.com/the%20fallen_la%20Baule.html

I have updated the sub album for St Nazaire Society in the Pre CVA gatherings album with 4 pictures i found yesterday in a small booklet of my father's. It was given to Charioteers and their families after the first memorial and dedication service at St Nazaire on the 2nd August 1947. A problem was highlighted that there was no accomodation or restaurants in St Nazaire to cater for people attending. The Royal Navy came to the rescue providing the cruiser HMS Sirius as a means of transportation and accomodation however numbers had to be limited. As a result 150 survivors of the raid sailed aboard the cruiser HMS Sirius to attend.
Here is a link to view the 4 pictures in the album :

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/Commando+Gatherings+pre+CVA/St+Nazaire/

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 20/05/2009 11:22:38

The author James Dorrian has pointed me in the direction of Micky Burn's website on which I found this old German propaganda footage. The film crew happenned to be there by chance at the time of the raid. You will note Micky's famous Victory salute has been edited out. There are sub titles. However when it was shown throughout Germany they left one little bit of information out - yes you've guessed - they failed to mention that the Campbeltown exploded with the subsequent destruction of the dock.

http://web.me.com/Richard.Luckett/Michael_Burn_MC/1942_Newsreel.html

Stephen Donnison wrote:Stunning photos Pete i recognise Chant there with his helmet on ,, and the poor scotsman left to bleed to death

... who is Tom McCormack, 5 Troop, 2 Cdo, who was in Donald Roy's assault party on board the Campbeltown - see my separate topic.
Cheers,
Mark

Hi Pete,
Your photo of a MGB with Campbeltown appears to a Fairmile 'B' Motor Launch. One of my hobbies, when I have time, is making scale model warships and I have several reference books on coastal craft.

Peter

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 30/12/2009 14:38:24

Hi Pete. Unlike yourself, I am no expert on the launches. I have changed the title of the photo accordingly and put an update on my original message on page 1 of this thread. I have found this detailed descriptive account of the various "little ships" of the raid which might be of use...it describes the gunboat MGB 314 as a Fairmile "C" whereas as we know the motor launches were Fairmile "B". The link is http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_stnazaire1.html

Whats for sure is that after the raid, everyone realsied that had they used more of the gunboats with their additional firepower, rather than the launches, then perhaps the casualties may have been less.

28th March 2010

In 4 days time it will be the 68th anniversary of the raid. Here are 2 links to short post war British Pathe newsreels concerning the ceremonies of dedication. The second has no sound.

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=49226

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=58135

We will remember them

Those are great films, Pete.

Hello All

Please, in the first link, open the file film " Queen reviews men of valour" 1956

FANTASTIC DOCUMENT

Best regards

Bernard

Nicely done Pete all legends
and yes, Bernard fascinating newsreel of all the VCs in 1956

This message was edited 7 times. Last update was at 02/04/2010 11:58:17

I have just been sent this French newspaper cutting by James Dorrian who was in St Nazaire with others including Bill 'Tiger' Watson MC for the 68th anniversary of the raid. They also got to see around the port in areas previously not given access to visitors.