The Greatest Raid

In the midst of the Second World War, Churchill gave the green light to a seemingly impossible mission. The target: the St Nazaire U-boat base, located on the Atlantic seaboard. Despite the odds, a team of British commandos carried out what is now known as "the greatest raid" - a daring and heroic operation in which five Victoria Crosses were awarded, setting a record for any similar mission. In his new book, Giles Whittell delves into the remarkable story of those involved, from the soldiers who fought and died, to the civilians and enemy forces who witnessed the unbelievable events. Through meticulous research and gripping narrative, Whittell reveals the true human cost and legacy of Operation Chariot, ultimately proving it to be a poorly planned raid that was only saved by the unmatched bravery of the courageous soldiers involved.