Into the Jaws of Death: The True Story of the Legendary Raid on Saint-Nazaire - Softcover

Robert Lyman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1782064478 ISBN 13: 9781782064473

Publisher: Quercus, 2014

Synopsis

It is the night of 28 March 1942. Royal Navy and British commandos are poised to assault the German-held port of Saint-Nazaire in what will be one of the most audacious and daring raids of the Second World War. The plan is simple: to drive an old destroyer, packed with three tons of explosive, at full speed into the outer gate of the Normandie dock. The aim is to destroy the base from which the formidable battleship Tirpitz would be able to devastate the convoys supplying Britain from the United States.  'Operation Chariot' was to be dramatically successful, but at a great cost. Fewer than half the men who went on the mission returned. In recognition of their valour, eighty-nine decorations were awarded, including five Victoria Crosses. 

Into the Jaws of Death is the true story of how the decisive courage of a small group of men changed the course of the war. 

About this title

From the Back Cover:

On the night of 28 March 1942, the Royal Navy and British Commandoes assaulted the German-held French Atlantic port of Saint-Nazaire in one of the most audacious raids of the Second World War. Their plan was simple: to drive an old destroyer packed with three tons of explosives at full speed into the outer gate of the Normandie dock. Its complements of Commandos would then rush out to engage the town's garrison, and blow up a series of carefully selected targets. Fewer than half the men who went on the mission returned alive. In recognition of their extraordinary bravery, eighty-nine decorations were awarded, including five Victoria Crosses. Into the Jaws of Death is a gripping story of high daring that demonstrates how the decisive courage of a small group of men brought hope and light during one of their country's darkest hours.

From the Back Cover:

I saw men burn alive in the petrol that covered the surface, while others sank in bloody foam as they succumbed to their wounds. With the screams of the dying ringing above the noise of gunfire, and the fierce glare of the flames lighting up the harbour, it was a scene from the worst of nightmares. What made it different was that we ourselves were inside the nightmare. Ordinary Seaman Ralph Batteson.

About this edition

• Publisher: Quercus
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1782064478
• ISBN 13: 9781782064473
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368