Falmouth Marks 83rd Anniversary of ‘Greatest Raid of All’ – Operation Chariot

Falmouth is paying tribute today, Sunday, 16th March, to the heroes of Operation Chariot, one of World War II’s most daring missions. The Saint-Nazaire Remembrance Service is taking place at 11 AM on Prince of Wales Pier, commemorating 83 years since the ‘Greatest Raid of All’.

A Historic Mission from Falmouth

In 1942, British forces carried out a high-risk assault on the German-occupied port of Saint-Nazaire, launching from Falmouth. The mission saw HMS Campbeltown, a destroyer packed with hidden explosives, ram into the dock gates. The explosives detonated later that day, putting the dry dock out of action for the remainder of the war and preventing the German battleship Tirpitz from using it.

Of the approximately 200 men who took part in the raid, only 27 survived. The operation’s bravery was recognised with the awarding of five Victoria Crosses.

Service and Parade Details

The remembrance service is open to all and includes a parade to and from Prince of Wales Pier. The parade set off from The Moor at around 10:40–10:45 AM.

Road Closures in Place

Roads in the immediate area are closed during the parade but will reopen once it is safe to do so.

For those in Falmouth, this is an opportunity to pay respects to the courage and sacrifice of those involved in Operation Chariot.