The distinguished historian and author, Robert Lyman, told The Chelsea Society on 27th July 2026 the true story of how the decisive courage of a small group of men changed the course of the Second World War.
On the night of 28 March 1942. The Royal Navy and marine commandos were 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 huge Normandie dry dock.
Destroying this would deny the formidable Tirpitz battleship, currently lurking menacingly in the Norwegian fjords, a base from which it could be maintained, and 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.
One of our members, Sarah Quill, is the niece of Michael Wynn, who fought at St. Nazaire. His widow, Jenny, is still alive, and Robert Lyman presented to Sarah an inscribed copy of his book, which Sarah will give to her. The inscription reads “To Jenny, in memory of Michael Wynn, 7th Baron Newborough DSC, RNVR, who commanded MTB 74 at St. Nazaire.”
