The distinguished historian and author, Robert Lyman, will tell The Chelsea Society the true story of how the decisive courage of a small group of men changed the course of the Second World War.
It is the night of 28 March 1942. The Royal Navy and marine commandos are poised to assault the German-held port of Saint-Nazaire in what will be one of the most audacious and daring raids of the War. The plan is simple: to drive an old destroyer, packed with explosives, at full speed into the outer gate of the Normandie dock.
Destroying this would deny the formidable Tirpitz battleship, currently lurking menacingly in the Norwegian fjords, a base from which it could inflict devastation upon the convoys supplying Britain from the United States. ‘Operation Chariot’ was dramatically successful, but at a great cost. Fewer than half the men who went on the mission returned, and in recognition of their valour, eighty-nine decorations were awarded, including five Victoria Crosses.
Tickets £25 (to include a glass of wine after the talk) available from the Box Office of the Cadogan Hall, 3 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ in person, or by phone 0207-730-4500. NB. The meeting is at Chelsea Old Town Hall, not at the Cadogan Hall, and will start promptly at 6pm.
Tickets are also available online via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-nazaire-tickets-1780714267309?aff=oddtdtcreator
Chelsea Society events are for our members, and when booking tickets members should use the name in which they are known to the Society (if in doubt please check with the Secretary).
Members may also bring guests.
