In pictures: Falmouth marks 80th anniversary of 'the greatest raid of all'
By Joseph Macey
7th Apr 2022 | Local News
The Falmouth community gathered together over the weekend to remember the heroes of St Nazaire.
The St Nazaire Parade in Falmouth on Sunday (3rd) marked the 80th anniversary of Operation Chariot in German-occupied France.
On March 26th, 1942, HMS Campbeltown accompanied by 16 motor launches packed full of Commandos and escorted by two destroyers, departed Falmouth with the intention of blocking the St Nazaire dock, rendering the port unusable by the German Navy – although it had already withdrawn its capital ships to home waters.
The raid was successful and Campbeltown, packed with explosives, rammed the dock and exploded, destroying the gates and knocking the giant dry dock out of action for the rest of the war.
However, the cost of the raid was high. Of the 611 commandos and sailors who took part in Operation Chariot, 169 were killed and 200, mostly wounded, were taken prisoner.
Only 242 returned to Falmouth after the raid. Some of the dead lie in cemeteries in France, some were brought home to England, and others have no known grave.
Only four of the motor launches made it home. Five Victoria Crosses were awarded, two of them posthumously.
Council members, military personnel, and members of the public laid wreaths and held a two-minute silence to pay their respects to the brave team that sailed from Falmouth.
Mayor of Falmouth Steve Eva, and Town Clerk Mark Williams, visited France last week to attend an 80th-anniversary event. Unfortunately, the pair couldn't attend after they came down with covid. Deputy Mayor Kirstie Edwards was on hand to step in.
Also attending was a representative for the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and Mayors Penryn, and Helston, as well as the Royal Naval Regional Commander, Brigadier Jock Fraser Royal Marines, to remember the audacious raid.
Click here to see our live video from the ceremony.
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