In what has been described as 'the greatest raid of all', Operation Chariot saw heavy destruction of the enemy-occupied port of St Nazaire by British forces. Winged Chariot examines the role that the RAF played during this epic raid on 28th March 1942. With focus on the planning and actions of the operation, Peter Lush explores the three functions carried out by the RAF; the sweeping of the Bay of Biscay, the diversionary raid and protecting the withdrawing survivors. He also outlines the importance of the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit to the raid and the development of the Bomber and Coastal Commands particularly through the sorties flown by Coastal Command two days before the attack started. The book also highlights the tragedy that occurred for the RAF, when diversionary raids were carried out in impossible conditions; resulting in the loss of aircraft across Yorkshire and in the Channel. Lush examines whether this could have been prevented if the RAF had not been marginalised during the planning process of Operation Chariot. With the 75th anniversary of the operation in 2017, this timely and ultimate account written by an expert who has collated over forty years worth of research is an essential work for all those interested in military aviation, particularly during the Second World War.

About the Author
Peter Lush is a committee member of the St Nazaire Society and has visited St Nazaire every year since 1982. He has led tours of the dockyard for a variety of people including veterans of the raid. As well as giving lectures of the raid, Peter was involved in the farewell cruise of HMS Campbeltown in March 2011, which went from Falmouth to St Nazaire.


Book Information
ISBN 9781910690246
Author Peter Lush
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Grub Street Publishing
Publisher Grub Street Publishing