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The Greatest Raid of All

Operation Chariot and the Mission to Destroy the Normandie Dock at St Nazaire

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The Greatest Raid of All

By: C.E. Lucas Phillips
Narrated by: Stewart Crank
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About this listen

A vivid account of the famous St Nazaire Raid that demonstrates the sheer bravery of the British Commandos and the Royal Navy. A must-listen for fans of James Holland, Ant Middleton, and Cornelius Ryan.

St Nazaire, 1.22 a.m. 28th March 1942.

HMS Cambeltown, supported by seventeen wooden motor launches, approached the German-held port intending to smash into the lock gates of the largest dock in the world; the Normandie Dock-Operation Chariot was in full swing.

Against vicious Nazi gunfire, the commandos stormed the docks, and within half an hour, succeeded in their chief demolition objectives, but in the heat of battle, the Royal Navy had lost nearly all of its small vessels intended to carry them back to England. With their route home closed off, the men were forced to fight through the town in a bid to escape German forces.

C. E. Lucas Phillips' The Greatest Raid of All draws upon numerous British, French, and German eyewitness reports to uncover the astounding true story of one of the most daring attacks of World War Two in which no fewer than five Victoria Crosses were awarded.

©1958 The Estate of C.E. Lucas Phillips (P)2022 Tantor Armed Forces Military Naval Forces Special & Elite Forces War Royal Navy
All stars
Most relevant
The narrative is very well-written and gripping.

The narrator is animated. His pronunciation of pretty basic naval and military terms is, however, woeful. So irritating that I considered giving up at several points.

Well written detailed description of an outstanding operation

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Phillips twists together a complex narrative into a compelling account of the events leading upto, during and after the raid.

Time passed means we now look at some of the contributions leading upto the events in a different light, but this is a minor point.

The narrator struggles over one or two names, but it can be forgiven. The English used is that of a classically educated individual, you can notice the influence of Latin grammar, but I think it suits.

The respect he has for the men of the raid is front and centre but told also with the fastidious need for accuracy. He does not fully attribute an action to an individual unless he is certain and clearly points out areas of question or divergence, usually with a suitable reason why.

A retired soldier is making sure history has a proper account of the raid.

My next book is his account of the Amethyst.

An old master

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The narrator clearly is not a naval man, as evidenced by his continuous mispronunciation of "Coxwain", "Boatswain" and "Oerlikon". Otherwise, a great story, that you can almost visualise in black & white, just like those old British war movies.

Great story, well read, but with the occasional cringworthy pronunciation.

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Unbelievable the audacity and bravery of this handful of men who believed more in their country and ideals than saving themselves.

As is always the case in British military history - the powers that be were more of a hindrance than a help, and of course... they all wanted the recognition and glory when it went sp well.

But the poor lads who suffered and died needlessly due to the powers on high refusing to provide them with proper boats and a decent air raid, are indeed reminding of the glorious 600 of Crimean fame!

Give it a good read, then watch the Jeremy Clarkson video about it (on YouTube)!

Will we see their kind again?

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the narrator's incorrect Pronunciation of naval jobs ie boatswain, and coxswain especially plus a few other odd pronunciation. probably because I am a ex RN. only a small point but most irritating. However it was generally well read and informative.

attention to detail

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