Operation Chariot, “The Sauciest Job Since Drake.”

Hughes-Hallet stepped forward. “This is essentially a mission of demolitions. Code named Operation Chariot. The target is the largest dry dock facility in the world and services the capital ships of the Kreigsmarine. Destruction of the dock and surrounding facilities denies repair and refurbishing services to those ships. This keeps them bottled up in their home port in the Baltic Sea and out of the North Atlantic. The result will render them unable to wreck further destruction to merchant shipping in the Atlantic. As you know, keeping our supply lanes open is absolutely vital to our success in the war. This op has three primary objectives: the destruction of the dry dock, of the water pumping machinery and any U-boats in the area.

“The operation will be a land assault by the commando chaps, led by Lt. Colonel Charles Newman of No. 2 Commando. Commander Robert E. D. Ryder has consented to support them with a strong RN detachment. The RAF will carry out a number of diversionary air raids to keep Jerry’s head down.  And, to reiterate what the Admiral said, this is very top secret. Security must be maintained at the highest level.

“Specifics will be couriered to you in the next few days. They will be on a need-to-know and for-your-eyes-only basis. There will be no telephone communication regarding this op. This mission has the highest priority and supersedes anything you’re tasked with currently. Colonel Newman and Commander Ryder will organize you and your chaps into teams with various mission objectives. Thank you for your time.” With that, Hughes-Hallet left the room.

“Extraordinary,” remarked a captain.

“Sauciest since Drake?” skeptically queried a major.

“Sounds bloody exciting!” chirped a young lieutenant. The group broke into small clutches and began exchanging remarks. Col. Newman and Commander Ryder moved to the map and peered at various aspects of the port.

Newman, who had traveled extensively in France, smiled knowingly and murmured, “St. Nazaire, without a doubt.”

From Chapter II,  World War II Black Ops, Vol. II

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