St Nazaire Raid VC Winners

[TheDigger]

There were 5 VC recipients during the raid on the St Nazaire Dry Dock, this was a combined raid by the Royal Navy and a Commando Unit. Refer to my post under Battles and events for details of the action.

Stephen Halden Beattie

He was 33 years old, and a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 March 1942, in the attack on St. Nazaire, France, Lieutenant-Commander Beattie was in command of HMS Campbeltown. Under intense fire directed on the bridge from a range of about 100 yards, and in the full blinding glare of many searchlights, the lieutenant-commander steamed Campbeltown into the lock gates, as instructed, and beached and scuttled her in the correct position.
The Victoria Cross was awarded not only in recognition of Lieutenant-Commander Beattie's own valour, but also of the unnamed officers and men of the ship's company, many of whom did not survive. He later achieved the rank of captain.

Augustus Charles Newman

He was 37 years old and a lieutenant colonel in the The Essex Regiment, British Army, attached to No. 2 Commando during the Second World War, when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the V.C.

On 28 March 1942 in the attack on St. Nazaire, France, Lieutenant Colonel Newman was in charge of the military forces and he was one of the first ashore, leading his men and directing operations quite regardless of his own safety. Under his inspiring leadership the troops fought magnificently and held vastly superior numbers of the enemy at bay until the demolition parties had done their work. The colonel then attempted to fight through into open country and not until all the ammunition was spent were he and his men overwhelmed and taken prisoner.

Robert Edward Dudley Ryder

He was 34 years old, and a Commander in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 March 1942 in the attack on St. Nazaire, France, Commander Ryder, commanding the Naval force, led HMS Campbeltown in under intense fire. When the main objective of the expedition had been accomplished and Campbeltown had been beached, Commander Ryder remained on the spot evacuating men from Campbeltown and conducting operations while exposed to heavy fire, and did not withdraw until it was certain that his ship could be of no more use. His motor gun boat (MGB 314), full of dead and wounded, survived by a miracle and managed to withdraw through an intense barrage of fire.

William Alfred Savage

He was 29 years old, and an able seaman in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 March 1942 in the attack on St. Nazaire, France, Able Seaman Savage who was a gun-layer of a pom-pom in MGB. 314, engaged enemy positions ashore, shooting with great accuracy. Although he had no gun-shield and was in a most exposed position, he continued firing with great coolness until at last he was killed at his gun.

Thomas Frank Durrant

Durrant was 23 years old, and a sergeant in the Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army, attached to No. 1 Commando during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 March 1942 at St. Nazaire, France, Sergeant Durrant was in charge of a Lewis gun on HM Motor Launch 306 which came under heavy fire during the raid. Twice Kapitänleutnant Paul called for his surrender and twice Durrant answered with a long burst from the gun. Although he had no protection and was wounded 16 times, he continued firing until the launch was boarded and those who were still alive were taken prisoner. He died of his wounds the next day. Durrant is one of very few men to have received their Victoria Cross on the recommendation of an enemy officer. Kapitänleutnant F.K Paul, commander of the German destroyer "Jaguar", was the one who singled out Durrant for his bravery.

[Maritime Michael Ian]

Digger,

Very good post cobber. There is a very good coverage of the raid and subsequent VCs on www.combinedops.com/St%20Nazaire.htm

Ian

[John Brown]

Photos of the 'Operation Chariot Memorial' in Falmouth....December 2011

Regards...John

[hood51]

Originally Posted by John Brown

Photos of the 'Operation Chariot Memorial' in Falmouth....December 2011

Regards...John

Nice pics, John.

Steve

[John Brown]

Originally Posted by hood51

Nice pics, John.

Steve

Many thanks Steve

Regards..John

[scouse]

Went to a christening at a church in Sandon Staffordshire, some time ago and this plaque was on the wall..... http://www.flickr.com/photos/52219527@N00/3928336953/

[hood51]

For interest, listed below are the Graves of 4 of the St Nazaire Vc winners. Have not managed to get a picture of RYDER's grave/mem in Headington Crem, Oxford. Anyone got one?

1. BEATTIE - Ruan Minor CY, Helston, Cornwall

2. DURRANT - Escoublac-la-Baule War Cemy, nr St Nazaire, France

3. NEWMAN - Barham Crem, Kent (Ashes under Beech tree in Garden of Remembrance) Tree lost in great storm of 1987 (Hurricane, what Hurricane?)

4. SAVAGE - Town Cemy, Falmouth, Cornwall.

Steve