Greatest Raid of WW2? RARE Footage! (WW2 Documentary)

Just spotted this. My grandfather was in 12 commando and was onboard the Campbeltown as it sailed up the estuary to St Nazaire. He told me they were lying on the floor of the ship as the 88mm shells went straight through the ship over them. His team destroyed their target, one of the winding houses. When he was eventually captured the Germans thought he was Scottish as he had a towel wrapped around him as his trousers had been burnt off by a phosphorous shell. He spent the rest of the war in a prison camp and learnt to speak German. He was only 21 at the time. They were very brave men. When he was much older the French awarded him the Legion d’honneur.

Excellent job of explaining the events of this raid. I will add a footnote regarding Cmdr Robert Ryder, who led the raid. He likely harbored a very strong desire to avenge his brother who had been one of 97 British soldiers murdered by the Waffen SS during the infamous Le Paradis massacre in 1940. Another brother would die in Japanese captivity after the fall of Singapore in Feb 1942. Cmdr Ryder also participated in the Dieppe Raid in August 1942. After the war he served in Parliament for five years.

I can’t believe you’ve “only” got 137k subscribers.. This is easily one of the best channels, with superbly told stories adding fantastic detail to each story.. Keep up the good work, these heroes deserve the recognition of what they did and how they sacrificed their futures😔

I like the last shot where the German soldier gently helps the wonder British soldier into the truck. Some chivalry seemed to exist by such small gestures

Tom Durrant getting his Victorian Cross recommendation from a Nazi is amazing that truly shows his bravery that even the enemy acknowledges it

I served on the new HMS Campbeltown a type 22 frigate and went to st Nazire in 1990. We met survivors from both sides in swapping of the ships bell ceremony. It was truly heart felt and emotional 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏🥲

My grandad was in the Royal marines commandos during ww2. Very proud of him. He trained at achnacarry in 1942.

I didn't realise the Ships Compliment was so large. I also didn't realise 5 got away to Spain, Cdo's are a breed apart.

Most plans go to sh*t as soon as you make enemy contact. The chaos, confusion, green commandos getting their first taste of fight, flight, or freeze, and this plan still succeeded. Despite the loss of such valuable and brave men, they accomplished their mission. I have seen more than my fair share of enemy contact, loss, chaos… but I am not naive enough to believe I can relate to the things that these men had seen and done. My brothers in arms of our previous conflicts were exactly what motivated me to push on in my worst moments in combat. These shock troops were the men that set the standard for me and my comrades today. Cheers to these warriors.

There have been two films about this legendary raid: 1952's The Gift Horse with Richard Attenborough and 1968's Attack on the Iron Coast with Lloyd Bridges and Andrew Keir. Both fine films, but there has never been the great film this great raid really deserves.

That is just phenomenal in every aspect from overwhelming odd, out numbered and huge losses, the dry dock was destroyed and much bravery from men who did not no defeat. For Tom Durrant VC, to be awarded the Victoria cross on the word of of an enemy officer is incredible and almost unheard of. These men gave their live willingly and without hesitation and I for one say, thank you all very much and may you all R.I.P

Thank you very much for the documentary, 10/10. Cheers from Brazil!

Knew Commander W L Stephens DSO who took part .He was captured and ended up in Colditz POW camp. Escaped and made a successful "home run " back to the UK.

10/10 for this documentary....some bravery shown on that day that's for sure. Great video, well done.

One of the new Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates (Inspiration class) is being called HMS Campbeltown after this operation.

I had a great uncle who took part in the raid. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet him. He survived but was wounded after shrapnel tore off all of his fingers on his left hand except his thumb. Apparently he became an alcoholic and died in the 70s or 80s (dont recall when).

I visited Saint -Nazaire in 1978 , and also took a tour around a preserved U boat . At the time I was aware of operation Chariot ,but didn't realise the ferocity of the battle , and all those brave men who lost their lives . An interesting and educational video . Thankyou .

This raid inspired me to drive to St.Nazaire and check it out...I'd recommend any body interested in WW2 to go as it's relatively unchanged...The dock is still the, the swing bridge is still there complete with bullet holes and battle scars and the U-boot pens are still there which you can get up on top of via a stairway...It's really interesting and would make a very good film set of the raid with little work for film makers

This was excellent 👌🏻. Really well put together documentary. The bravery of these heroes must never be forgotten.

Point to note- No 5 Troop 2 Commando LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH COMMANDO's participated in the raid. It was the last time British soldiers went into battle wearing the kilt- Forbes tartan. A number of Liverpool Jocks were killed, including the RSM and Private Tom McCormack. The latter was photographed sitting on the quayside cradling his bandaged head in his hands. Tom was severely wounded by a grenade which detonated near him. The infamous photo appeared in the German forces magazine, 'Signal,' with the caption, 'Captured British Commando.' Sadly, Tom died of his wounds a couple of days later. I have photographs of him outside his family home located on Menlove Avenue, Allerton- Liverpool. Liverpool Scottish was a Territorial Regt which had a distinguished history and a fine reputation- earned during WW1 in fighting around Ypres. During WW2, LS served as a training battalion. Many of it's trained soldiers went into the elite formations like the LRDG, Commando's, Para regt and SAS. No other British Army regt provided more men to the elite units than Liverpool Scottish did- FACT. In the late 90's on Remembrance Day, we would march through Liverpool in full Highland uniform with the Pipes & Drums up front. We had association members who were WW2 SAS veterans. They wore the SAS Cambridge wings on the sleeve of their highland jackets and still wore the Liverpool Scottish Glengarry and capbadge. They might have been WW2 SAS, but they identified themselves as LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH soldiers first and foremost- which speaks volumes about the esprit de corps of the regt. Sadly, Liverpool Scottish no longer exists due to myopic defence cuts. The Regimental Colours hang in Liverpool CIty town hall. The LS Association is strong and the turn out on Remembrance Day is impressive. We have very close links with 4 Para, the Para's attend the Liverpool Scottish Remembrance service in the gardens of St. George's Hall. The Para's are very aware that when Para Regt was formed, many of the initial volunteers came from Liverpool Scottish- at least one Coy in one battalion was composed almost entirely of Liverpool Scottish soldiers. Brigadier CE Lucas Philips author of, 'The Greatest Raid Of All,' concerning the St. Nazaire raid makes frequent references to the Liverpool Scottish. ONCE YOU HAVE SERVED IN LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH, YOU REMAIN A LIVERPOOL JOCK UNTIL YOU DRAW YOUR LAST BREATH- THE CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP!