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The Greatest Raid of All: Operation Chariot and the Mission to Destroy the Normandie Dock at St Nazaire (Daring Military Operations of World War Two) Kindle Edition

by C. E. Lucas Phillips (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,789 ratings
‘A deed of glory intimately involved in high strategy’ Winston Churchill

A vivid account of the famous St Nazaire Raid that demonstrates the sheer bravery of the British Commandos and the Royal Navy. An essential read 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.

‘Exciting and moving account of a great epic’ Observer

‘Having been associated with practically all combined operations, from two-man raids to the planning for Normandy, I have no hesitation in saying that the finest and most profitable of the lot was your raid on St Nazaire.’ Lord Mountbatten to Lieutenant Charles Newman

‘told with clarity, precision, and its share of the famous British understatement.’ Kirkus Reviews
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  1. Part of series
    Daring Military Operations of World War Two
  2. Print length
    366 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 20, 2021
  6. File size
    3.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born St Vincent, West Indies in 1897, C. E. Lucas Phillips was educated at St Lawrence College and King's College London. During World War I he served with the Royal Artillery in France and Flanders. He was promoted to Major before he was twenty-one and was awarded MC and Croix De Guerre. During World War II he served with Montgomery in the Western Desert, and in Italy. He was promoted to Brigadier and awarded an OBE and bar. 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. He met his wife Barbara at a dance in 1921, they married in 1924 and subsequently had four daughters. He died in 1984.

With over eighty titles to his name, Stewart Crank has developed a reputation as a solid and reliable voice-over artist, consistently delivering quality audio to his clients. Originally from Lancashire in the North of England, his burgeoning audiobook career has seen him tackle a wide array of genres, from historical fantasy to noir and true crime and most recently a version of Ulysses by James Joyce, widely regarded as the most difficult English language book to read in the world. When not recording, Stewart spends his time rock climbing or slowly making his way through his ever-expanding list of unwatched classic films.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08ZNG292Y
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 20, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 366 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800550643
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Daring Military Operations of World War Two
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,789 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,789 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and amazingly detailed, with one review highlighting the meticulous planning documented by the author. The story receives positive feedback for its suspense and daring elements, with one customer noting its precise recounting of dramatic events.

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ReadabilityDetailStory quality
24 customers mention "Readability"21 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well written and amazing, with one customer describing it as a thrilling read.

"...It is a thrilling read that captures the bravery and selflessness of the commandos who were willing to risk their lives to thwart the German's and..." Read more

"...the subject matter was intriguing and could have been inspiring and satisfying. But it wasn't." Read more

"...Good English traditional war narrative. An easy read." Read more

"...Great World War II reading.." Read more

21 customers mention "Detail"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed content, with one customer highlighting the meticulous planning documented by the author.

"...It is a thrilling read that captures the bravery and selflessness of the commandos who were willing to risk their lives to thwart the German's and..." Read more

"An outstanding account of bravery and daring.Presented in the minutest of detail, it captures the imagination of the reader...." Read more

"The detail presented distracted from the brave and heroic story. Less detail and the story would have been a great experience." Read more

"Tremendous detail and a good job narrating several different events happening almos simultaneously...." Read more

19 customers mention "Story quality"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story engaging and thrilling, with one review highlighting its detailed breakdown of the raid and another noting its dramatic events recounted with precision.

"...Of All by C.E. Lucas Phillips is an exceptional book that tells the incredible true story of the Commando Raid on St. Nazaire during World War II...." Read more

"An outstanding account of bravery and daring.Presented in the minutest of detail, it captures the imagination of the reader...." Read more

"I previously knew almost nothing of this incredibly daring and courageous raid...." Read more

"Tremendous detail and a good job narrating several different events happening almos simultaneously...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Colin J. Edwards
    5.0 out of 5 stars The author skillfully documents the meticulous planning that went into the raid.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Greatest Raid Of All by C.E. Lucas Phillips is an exceptional book that tells the incredible true story of the Commando Raid on St. Nazaire during World War II. The book starts by setting the scene of World War II and how the Allies were struggling to retain a foothold in Europe, while the Germans had a hold on France's entire western coastline, making it essential for the Allies to weaken the German defenses to secure their position.

    This is where The Greatest Raid Of All comes in, documents how the Commandos carried out one of the most daring and ingenious raids in the war. The author skillfully documents the meticulous planning that went into the raid, from recruiting and training the commandos, to developing the specialized equipment needed for the mission, such as the HMS Campbeltown. What's more, he describes the dangerous mission in detail, including the obstacles and dangers the Commandos faced, and how they overcame them.

    One of the most significant strengths of the book is the way it draws on first-hand accounts from the Commandos themselves and their German opponents, to paint a vivid picture of the true horrors of war. From the freezing conditions of the ocean, to the chaos and carnage of the raid itself, the reader is transported to the heart of the action. Moreover, Phillips' writing style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to stay fully immersed in the story, even when the tension is at its highest.

    In conclusion, The Greatest Raid Of All is an excellent account of one of the most daring and most influential operations in the war. It is a thrilling read that captures the bravery and selflessness of the commandos who were willing to risk their lives to thwart the German's and their defenses in France. Whether you are a history buff or just interested in tales of adventure, this book is highly recommended!
    One person found this helpful
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  • JALAPENO
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not the greatest
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
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    The book was in no way great. In fairness the subject matter was intriguing and could have been inspiring and satisfying. But it wasn't.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding, well written and detailed account
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    An outstanding account of bravery and daring.Presented in the minutest of detail, it captures the imagination of the reader.
    Every aspect is covered from the planning and training leading up to the raid, the successful evasion of detection in the approach to the objectives of the sizeable force, the successful execution of the various aspects of the plan and the ensuing chaos of action, followed by the withdrawal of those that were still able, and capture of those who were wounded and still alive.
    I would unreservedly recommend this book to students and others interested in WW2 history.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Daniel
    3.0 out of 5 stars Too many names
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022
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    The detail presented distracted from the brave and heroic story. Less detail and the story would have been a great experience.
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  • Clive Leah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written. Tremendously factual. Ďefinite good read.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I previously knew almost nothing of this incredibly daring and courageous raid. It was an excit8ng eye opener to learn in such detail what really happened. It you love to read true stories of the gallant, tenacious bravery demonstrated with humility and dedication so often in WW2, but not portrayed in movies, you will not be disappointed. This bok filled me with awe and admiration for the ordinary men who fought with nonor and unceasing comradship in situations that would scare the daylights out of anyone. I feel honored that they gave their all that I may enjoy the freedoms I take for gtanted today.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Luis Olaguibel
    4.0 out of 5 stars detailed, traditional account of this great raid.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Tremendous detail and a good job narrating several different events happening almos simultaneously.

    Good English traditional war narrative. An easy read.
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  • Britt Talley Daniel
    5.0 out of 5 stars take of victory
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A detailed and very interesting story about the most famous raid of World War II. This is a great story, noble descriptions of the actions of the individuals involved. Great World War II reading..
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  • IndianaHappyTraveler
    4.0 out of 5 stars An exciting and true adventure alongside special operations during WW II!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I found the story of the planning and execution of the attack on the dock at St . Nazaire fascinating! How complex the planning of these operations had to be, and how brave the men who willing went through with the mission in the face of being told none were expected to return!
    The element of “serendipity” appears in this story, as has often been the case with other successful missions during this war. One of the men involved in destroying a bridge as the BEF retreated at Dunkirk, had an interest thereafter of studying how docks might be sabotaged. He and a buddy were actually given the plans of the dock at St. Nazaire to practice on in the months before Operation Chariot even began. They had drawn up some plans, but these had been set aside as other duties took precedence. When called to work on this project, he and his friend were able to resume their study and plan for the demolition!
    I appreciate that the publisher is willing to re-publish these books as ebooks, as these were written shortly after WWII, in the 1950’s. They introduce an entire generation of books to modern readers that most would not otherwise have had the opportunity to read.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Armando Rodrigues
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Raid and the Greatest Book
    Reviewed in Canada on July 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I think this book is a phenomenal historical narrative of the Greatest Raid of All. Emotional, precise, suspenseful and realistic I certainly recommend this book as one of the best books I ever read.
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  • Lawrie Edwards
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Australia on May 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Great story of what these poor chaps endured during WW2, Very interesting till the very end, these men were all very heroic, they deserve all accolade's, God bless them
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  • Bryan M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A ‘must-read’….
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    An amazing account.
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  • BHASKAR T N B
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Meticulously researched and interestingly presented
    Reviewed in India on June 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Can't imagine the guts and daring of the guys who set sail on an almost suicidal mission. Great book. Meticulously researched and interestingly presented. Could not put this book down until the end. At the end we feel sorry for the unfortunate ones who couldn't return home. It was almost a fanatical bravado on their part.
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  • Tom
    4.0 out of 5 stars History
    Reviewed in Canada on September 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Great historical account of a little known 2nd. World war successful commando and naval action. Good detail.
    Exciting reading account.
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