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The Greatest Raid of All: Operation Chariot and the Mission to Destroy the Normandie Dock at St Nazaire
A vivid account of the famous St Nazaire Raid that demonstrates the sheer bravery of the British Commandos and the Royal Navy. An must-listen for fans of James Holland, Ant Middleton, and Cornelius Ryan. St Nazaire, 1.22 a.m. 28 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.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2021
432 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Lucas Phillips
25 books7 followersCecil Ernest "Peter" Lucas Philips was an author.
During World War I, he served with the Royal Artillery in France and Flanders. During World War II, he served with Montgomery in the Western Desert, and in Italy. He wrote several war books including "Cockleshell Heroes," "Escape of the Amethyst," "Alamein," "The Greatest Raid of All," and "Springboard to Victory." He was a passionate gardener and has also written books on gardening including the much acclaimed "The Small Garden" and "Roses for the Small Garden."
During World War I, he served with the Royal Artillery in France and Flanders. During World War II, he served with Montgomery in the Western Desert, and in Italy. He wrote several war books including "Cockleshell Heroes," "Escape of the Amethyst," "Alamein," "The Greatest Raid of All," and "Springboard to Victory." He was a passionate gardener and has also written books on gardening including the much acclaimed "The Small Garden" and "Roses for the Small Garden."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 12, 2024
Should you read of this raid: what they planned to accomplish and how they went about, it will take your breath away. And, by and large, they pull it off.
An incredible read.
An incredible read.
July 8, 2025
An amazing feat and they pulled it off. The bravery of each and everyone on the mission is quite incredible.
August 21, 2024
I can remember my father telling me of this raid when I was a schoolboy - not that he was there - he was a navy man.
What defies belief is those in command actually thought they could pull this off.
It's a thrilling read.
It's a frightening assault.
What defies belief is those in command actually thought they could pull this off.
It's a thrilling read.
It's a frightening assault.
November 8, 2017
Excellent read. I am so used to reading fiction, and at best, historical fiction or biographies to meet my need for greater understanding of our past and ourselves, that this book took me unawares. It had me transfixed immediately by defining a significant barrier to advancing war efforts by the British at the time. I was close to mesmerized by the descriptions of courage, fatalities, comradeship and so much more that one could not begin to understand. To not be there in that epoch is one significant limit to any empathy; but to not be there in that theatre of war strains our credulity to the utmost.I was impressed by much and only slightly put off by the absence of literary tools to describe and convey. Given those and perhaps I would have rated it 1/2 star higher; but, then it would probably have been historical-fiction, rather than the reported facts from firsthand data and accounts.
September 1, 2022
I can’t imagine how people would react to these requests for heroism today. The generation before us seem to be without equal.
Great book and a story well told of some very brave young men of whom history asked a lot.
Great book and a story well told of some very brave young men of whom history asked a lot.
July 31, 2018
This is an incredible book - I was inspired to read it by a throw-away comment by current American Sec of Defence James Mattis (USMC, notable for his "mad-dog" given nickname, his "chaos" self-chosen callsign, and love of Marcus Aurelius) about how the book inspired him and I was not disappointed. This story of planning, logistics and bravery both collective and individual by soldiers & sailors in astoundingly audacious circumstances reads like a thriller, keeping me on the edge of my seat with its relatively small cast of characters all fully fleshed out, the extensive preparation explained down to every detail (when destroying lots of identical industrial machinery, put the charges on the same part of each machine, so that the remnants can't be cannibalised to make a few work afterwards) and the action itself described with extensive maps and narrative flair that "put me there" with a group of highly motivated, expert and brave heroes. My appreciation of the St Nazaire raid (which I knew about as a general fan of WW2 history) was deepened and expanded by this great work, and I can see how a modern soldier like James Mattis could draw lessons about it even today.
September 14, 2020
Written in 1958, this is a story of noble courage and daring and desperate measures, tragedy and success in war. Riveting and haunting. The author must have interviewed friends and family of those involved as he gives pithy characterisations which act as some of these mens' eulogies. This makes this formidable raid so much more real, poignant and scary.
September 29, 2021
Not great at all
I was just confused by this story. Why did so many men have to die? What was the point of the commando raid? The destroyer ramming of the dock was it, why were all the other troops thrown in? None of this is explained. It was one success surrounded by failure. I don’t understand at all, and this book doesn’t help.
I was just confused by this story. Why did so many men have to die? What was the point of the commando raid? The destroyer ramming of the dock was it, why were all the other troops thrown in? None of this is explained. It was one success surrounded by failure. I don’t understand at all, and this book doesn’t help.
May 10, 2013
This is a story many people have never heard of and yet one of the most successful raids in the history of Special Warfare. If you have never heard of the raid on St Nazaire, well you are in for a treat when you read this book. It's like reading the Guns of Navarone except its all true!
February 11, 2017
A brilliant retelling of one of the most amazing raids off all time. If you haven't read this book you need to!
April 16, 2020
Good overall review of the British attack on the French port of St Nazaire. You get an quick look at the men who planned it, and how it happened. Very enjoyable read
February 10, 2022
How did I get to 2022 without hearing of this fantastic raid? It is a wonderful, very detailed description of an ingenious attack designed to cripple the Nazi’s use of their huge battleship Tirpitz by denying it the use of the only dry dock of sufficient size in Saint Nazaire, Western France.
The detail is amazing, with most of the men being named, and their precise duties fully outlined. That about 150 men were killed in the process is unfortunate, but the result was that Tirpitz could not be fully operated - and how many lives did that save? The tale is well told - who amongst us would not have volunteered to participate if the opportunity had arisen? I have huge admiration for the brave participants - it is rarely that we have the chance to know the names and details of those who helped to save us from Hitler’s thugs! We certainly have much to be thankful for.
Read on my Kindle over a period of several weeks, but the majority read rapidly over the last few days - could hardly put it down!
The detail is amazing, with most of the men being named, and their precise duties fully outlined. That about 150 men were killed in the process is unfortunate, but the result was that Tirpitz could not be fully operated - and how many lives did that save? The tale is well told - who amongst us would not have volunteered to participate if the opportunity had arisen? I have huge admiration for the brave participants - it is rarely that we have the chance to know the names and details of those who helped to save us from Hitler’s thugs! We certainly have much to be thankful for.
Read on my Kindle over a period of several weeks, but the majority read rapidly over the last few days - could hardly put it down!
February 13, 2022
None But the Brave
Proverb: “Only those who are courageous and unafraid of failure will find success.”
I was attracted to this story by the lack of information about this raid. With so many stories about the bravery of allied forces during WWII, this story appealed to me for the lack of coverage of this raid by so many of the well-known WWII historians.
The author produces so much documentation about the genesis of the raid, the planning, and the assembled men from the armed forces that will make up the commando teams. Fully 40% of the beginning of the book is devoted to the documentation of the men planning the raid and the strategy.
Once Operation Chariot begins the narrative picks up speed, and drives the interest of the reader. The dedication to duty and the bravery of these men against impossible odds serve as a reminder to all of us of the high price men like these who sacrificed for free men everywhere.
Proverb: “Only those who are courageous and unafraid of failure will find success.”
I was attracted to this story by the lack of information about this raid. With so many stories about the bravery of allied forces during WWII, this story appealed to me for the lack of coverage of this raid by so many of the well-known WWII historians.
The author produces so much documentation about the genesis of the raid, the planning, and the assembled men from the armed forces that will make up the commando teams. Fully 40% of the beginning of the book is devoted to the documentation of the men planning the raid and the strategy.
Once Operation Chariot begins the narrative picks up speed, and drives the interest of the reader. The dedication to duty and the bravery of these men against impossible odds serve as a reminder to all of us of the high price men like these who sacrificed for free men everywhere.
July 21, 2023
Phillips does a great job recounting the details of the planning and the operation and vividly describes the action of bringing the raid to life. It's a great, in-depth look at the raid and provides glimpses of the politics and concerns of the UK war planners. The only place this book falls short is that it doesn't provide a real look at the personalities involved. Many of these accounts seem to have been written in this same way at this time. All the participants are fine, strapping examples of British manhood. There are only broad-stroke glimpses of personalities but no real in-depth looks at the people, many of whom gave their lives. Overall a great read about a interesting and bravely executed action.
December 30, 2023
Reads like an unbelievable novel and should be obligatory reading for people in managerial positions that believe they somehow have the experience to instruct others on the front line. I couldn't follow all the manoeuvres so carefully detailed in the book and found some of the writing from a past era, but a lot of forensic investigation has gone into the whole incredible episode, and the sheer grit and determination of a relatively small number of people, puts our current excuse for a military presence to shame. It was a certainty that most wouldn't return and a possibility none would, but still they went ahead for the greater good, and in good spirit - they felt the country and the cause worth defending. I wonder if they would feel the same now. Essential reading.
October 26, 2021
Superb book of normal young men who with the full knowledge of their probable fate, braved all odds to make this event a reality. Inspiring story of a time & place where (unfortunately) warfare was not a push button affair from a distant location but an eye ball to eye ball affair where only the bravest of the brave undertook, though most of them, before the action, never really knew if they had it in themselves to show or prove their true colours.
Loved the book with the greatest of admiration for all the BRAVE MEN involved in this action of serious reverses & consequences to themselves & the enemy.
Loved the book with the greatest of admiration for all the BRAVE MEN involved in this action of serious reverses & consequences to themselves & the enemy.
November 22, 2022
an excellent read that attests to the bravery, grit and determination to succeed.
This was a daring plan that once the upper brass were informed that it was being planned many considered it was a suicide mission with little to no chance of survival let alone in pulling it off to achieve victory.
Read how these brave souls pulled it off and tasted the bitter sweet fruit of victory.
This was a daring plan that once the upper brass were informed that it was being planned many considered it was a suicide mission with little to no chance of survival let alone in pulling it off to achieve victory.
Read how these brave souls pulled it off and tasted the bitter sweet fruit of victory.
February 20, 2022
Great Read about some little known heroes...
The "Greatest Raid" depicts one of the most heroic, successful and very logical achievements I have ever experienced. If you love personal details and amazing and concise data and descriptions, in Lucas 's typical British nonchalant style, you won't be able to put this gem down.
The "Greatest Raid" depicts one of the most heroic, successful and very logical achievements I have ever experienced. If you love personal details and amazing and concise data and descriptions, in Lucas 's typical British nonchalant style, you won't be able to put this gem down.
November 26, 2023
An interesting and detailed account.
A very British account of an action involving numerous actors but dealing in such personal lives as what school they went to as only they care. It could have been tightened up a bit by only the facts and what was accomplished. Over all a good tale and one that can be learned from.
A very British account of an action involving numerous actors but dealing in such personal lives as what school they went to as only they care. It could have been tightened up a bit by only the facts and what was accomplished. Over all a good tale and one that can be learned from.
April 21, 2024
These are the real heroes.
They often call sports men & women heroes, which makes my blood boil.
Once you have read this, you will understand what and who the word hero was meant to portray. These guys went above and beyond heroic, why this part of our great military history is almost forgotten to the modern generation is beyond me.
They often call sports men & women heroes, which makes my blood boil.
Once you have read this, you will understand what and who the word hero was meant to portray. These guys went above and beyond heroic, why this part of our great military history is almost forgotten to the modern generation is beyond me.
January 18, 2025
Very interesting story, and the first third of the book I found really readable. But it got quite heavy and bogged down in names and specific details which made the rest difficult to follow and get through so easily. Last few chapters again very interesting, but a huge amount of detail which was harder to follow - particularly in audiobook form.
September 27, 2021
Amazing story
The Greatest Raid of All was an amazing story. I have read many World War 2 stories, but nothing quite like this. The raid was truly a daring operation. It really took some imagination to pull it off. In the end the British Admittedly did the right thing.
The Greatest Raid of All was an amazing story. I have read many World War 2 stories, but nothing quite like this. The raid was truly a daring operation. It really took some imagination to pull it off. In the end the British Admittedly did the right thing.
December 2, 2021
Overlooked Heroism
Operation Chariot - the raid on Normandie dock - details overlooked heroism for US readers unfamiliar with this raid. Great research though the hand drawn maps could’ve been better.
Operation Chariot - the raid on Normandie dock - details overlooked heroism for US readers unfamiliar with this raid. Great research though the hand drawn maps could’ve been better.
December 16, 2021
INSPIRING
This historical review of the St Nazaire escapade provides the reader with a true perspective of the conditions that the Allied troops had to contend with during and after the raid. Wonderful rea.d
This historical review of the St Nazaire escapade provides the reader with a true perspective of the conditions that the Allied troops had to contend with during and after the raid. Wonderful rea.d
January 23, 2022
What an amazing generation that was.
I was left in awe of the sheer guts of those heroic characters, and indeed of the French men and women who aided the escape of the ones who 'got away'. Why are we not still proud of those young heroes?
I was left in awe of the sheer guts of those heroic characters, and indeed of the French men and women who aided the escape of the ones who 'got away'. Why are we not still proud of those young heroes?
April 4, 2022
The writing is dated (1st published 1958) but it is a very detailed account of an operation in the 2nd World War undertaken by a very brave group of men which is very little known. Well worth reading.
April 4, 2022
POMPOUS.
A narrative of a well planned, brilliantly executed, Commando operation somewhat ruined by some hammy, pompous descriptions of the combatants....
Something about a day job and don't give it up springs to mind.
A narrative of a well planned, brilliantly executed, Commando operation somewhat ruined by some hammy, pompous descriptions of the combatants....
Something about a day job and don't give it up springs to mind.
May 8, 2022
Old But Good
Having read the recently released “Greatest Raid” by Giles Whittel I thought to read this version.
Although the language is ‘dated’ it is composed of more personal accounts by the participants without the historians ‘hindsight’ questions.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Having read the recently released “Greatest Raid” by Giles Whittel I thought to read this version.
Although the language is ‘dated’ it is composed of more personal accounts by the participants without the historians ‘hindsight’ questions.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
May 18, 2022
Op-Mincemeat.
There will always be a place for such a fantastic human effort of bravery, loyalty and never be afraid to your duty for -King and country.
The ultimate sacrifice.
Bravo Zulu (Well Done)
There will always be a place for such a fantastic human effort of bravery, loyalty and never be afraid to your duty for -King and country.
The ultimate sacrifice.
Bravo Zulu (Well Done)
July 22, 2022
An outstanding tale of one of the most daring operations of WWII. Mr. Phillips does an excellent job of describing the operation and those individuals involved. A must read for any war or history buff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews