Chapter Seven: The Bloodbath of Saint Nazaire

The gunners and commandos could no longer contain themselves. They transformed restraint and hatred into strength, launching a fierce counterattack. The shells flew violently towards various targets, and within just 4 minutes, the German positions fell silent. Taking the enemy by surprise, the fleet swiftly passed through the Loire River

The Seymour rate commandos burrowed in. There were cooking facilities, sleeping mats, and the environment was relatively ideal. Seymour counted the number of people; only about 20 remained with him. He decided to split into pairs after dark, and now they should take the time to rest and have a good dream

The entrance is approximately 500 meters wide, featuring sandy mud flats. The main beach is exposed at low tide, and the Kaptent waterway at the river mouth is curved, measuring about 2.5 kilometers in length. Most of the waterway is close to the northern shore, passing north of the Leismore Sandbank Lighthouse, making it easy to defend

During the exercise, Colonel Seymour identified two issues: first, the target size of the "Canberra Tower" destroyer was too large, which prematurely exposed the operational intentions. Second, the light vessels found it difficult to navigate, maintain formation, and search for landing points under the intense illumination of numerous searchlights

Seymour once again coordinated with Lloyd. Seymour was responsible for the assault team's raid, while Lloyd was in charge of the support. The naval officers and soldiers on the ship were fully prepared for battle

However, the good dream did not last long. Less than an hour after they entered the air raid shelter, they were discovered and surrounded by a group of German soldiers. After a fierce struggle, many sacrificed their lives heroically, as they truly had no strength left to resist. Seymour ordered everyone to surrender and lay down their arms.

All's fair in war. To conceal their operational intentions, the British forces gathered, trained, and selected a departure base for their attack at the port of Falmouth, located 400 kilometers from Saint-Nazaire. This special operations unit was named the "10th Assault Group" and claimed to be conducting submarine sweep operations in the waters at the entrance to the English Channel on its western side. Additionally, there were rumors that this unit would be deployed overseas and was currently procuring summer equipment in large quantities. These signs were meticulously reported to Hitler's office through the German spy network. However, this madman, intoxicated by the expansion of war, did not take these matters seriously.

Various assault teams executed a forced landing. However, the German artillery fire acted as a barrier of death before them. Motorboat No. 192 was the first to be hit and caught fire, veering left out of the formation and crashing south of the old dock; Motorboat No. 156 was also hit, its steering mechanism failed, and it collided with a nearby cargo ship, resulting in most of the crew being injured and having to withdraw from the formation. Another motorboat was capsized by the waves, throwing the assault team members into the water. Motorboat No. 192 was the first to be hit and caught fire, veering left out of the formation and crashing south of the old dock; Motorboat No. 156 was also hit, its steering mechanism failed, and it collided with a nearby cargo ship, resulting in most of the crew being injured and having to withdraw from the formation. Another motorboat was capsized by the waves, throwing the assault team members into the water. Only one vessel from each of the left and right columns of the assault teams successfully landed. Under such conditions, the landing of the motorboats was extremely difficult.

On March 28, 1942, the British "Commando" forces launched a raid on Saint-Nazaire, destroying the only water gate of the "Normandy Dock" occupied by the German army in France, severely damaging the German submarine hideout. This operation can be regarded as the largest scale of all surprise attacks. However, during the course of the assault, the special forces also paid a tremendous price. This was the most tragic and heroic event in the history of "Commando" operations. Whenever "Commando" is mentioned, people inevitably recall this battle. However, during the course of the assault, the special forces also paid a tremendous price. This was the most tragic and heroic event in the history of "Commando" operations. Whenever "Commando" is mentioned, people inevitably recall this battle

Except for the "Asaston" and "Tindil" vessels remaining in the Bay of Biscay, all other ships have hoisted the German naval ensign and are advancing towards the Loire River. Gunboat 314 leads the way, followed closely on the left by the "Canberra Tawin," with submarine "Steyot" providing escort on the right. Fourteen motorboats are arranged in two columns, and finally, torpedo boat 74 brings up the rear

Seymour quickly gathered 2 landing teams and swiftly counted the personnel. Including over 30 lightly and severely injured, only about 70 remained. According to the first plan, it was no longer possible to rapidly withdraw to the sea after completing the raid. Under the intense artillery fire from the German forces, some of the boats scheduled to retrieve the landing troops were sunk, while others were forced to turn back midway. The escape route for the assault team had clearly been cut off, leaving only the implementation of the second plan. Seymour, determined, immediately sent a distress signal to the supporting Colonel Reid.

This trick proved effective. Before long, the German forces responded, and most of the artillery positions ceased fire, with only two gun emplacements on the west coast continuing their bombardment. Consequently, the signalman sent out an international signal stating, "Our unit has suffered severe losses due to our own shelling." The west coast also halted its fire. The German forces immediately reported the situation of this suspicious fleet to the command center. The German intelligence agency swiftly gathered information from various intelligence networks regarding this suspicious fleet.

The estuary of the Loire River lacks suitable landing areas for an assault, making it a defensible position. According to aerial reconnaissance by the Air Force, the German forces have added 5 artillery positions near their docks.

The ships "Ashton" and "Tindale," under the command of Leyd, opened fire on the enemy to cover the retreat of the assault team members, as well as to assist and accommodate those who were unable to land, coordinating the return of the remaining motorboats to the sea. At this time, the British Air Force received orders to deploy 21 aircraft for air cover; however, due to the chaotic fighting between friend and foe within the dock, the effectiveness was limited

Members of special operations must first be highly capable and emphasize coordination and cooperation, as this is fundamental to combat operations. Therefore, Seymour organized maritime training for the officers and soldiers shortly after the formation of the assault team, focusing on improving swimming skills and adapting to wave conditions. In the training plan, Seymour primarily arranged for night docking and undocking, night navigation, long-distance sailing, anti-submarine operations, shooting, and armed swimming training.

We are the German torpedo boats, urgently requesting assistance, with two injured ships. Please allow us to enter the port without delay... This signal was deciphered from the codebook captured from the German armed tug "Orange" during the attack on Bokus Island in Norway by the "Commando" unit in December 1941. During combat training, Colonel Seymour had instructed the signalmen to memorize it repeatedly, and now it has truly come into use

Colonel Reid immediately recognized that the black object appearing 450 meters ahead was a submarine surfacing, specifically a German submarine. He promptly ordered the "Tindal" gunboat to open fire and quickly dropped depth charges. The German submarine also detected the convoy and urgently submerged, restoring calm once again

There has been considerable debate regarding the selection of the command ship, and the proposal by Seymour has now been chosen. According to British military customs, a larger vessel should serve as the command ship; however, Seymour insists that although the "Canberra Tawan" has been modified, it still risks grounding when passing through shallow waters at high tide. Furthermore, after colliding with the dock gate, it would be inconvenient for command operations. It is preferable to use the 314 gunboat, as it can reach a speed of 26 knots and is equipped with advanced radar and depth sounders, facilitating command. Initially, the "Canberra Tawan" will serve as the command ship during the voyage, and a transfer will take place outside the Loire estuary.

In Seymour's plan, special operations forces are prepared to use motorboats or rubber boats as the final assault transport. The destruction of the dock will be carried out by ramming it with a destroyer, as the dock gate measures 51 meters in length, 16.5 meters in height, and has a thickness of 11 meters. To render it unusable for an extended period, it can only be achieved by colliding with heavily loaded vessels. The British forces have made the decision to ram the dock with a destroyer, and then use high explosives to destroy part of the destroyer's hull, causing it to sink. Explosives will be loaded slightly aft of the bow, utilizing delayed detonators, so that when the destroyer is destroyed, the dock gate and nearby shore will also be blown up. During the destruction of the dock gate, the assault team will land to sabotage the water pump workshop, power workshop, and oil tanks. If possible, they will also destroy the submarine base.

Seymour hurriedly instructed the communications soldier Makaji, who was disguised as a German sergeant, to immediately send out the identification signal for the German torpedo boats

On the 27th at 15:00, Seymour and Leyd agreed on a good plan and decided to set sail at 22:00. According to the plan, the British Air Force was to bomb Saint-Nazaire at that time, aiming to prevent the attacking fleet from being detected by the German radar at Cape Croisic and to cover the loud noise generated by the motorboats during their advance. When the clock struck 22:00, Seymour ordered the departure

On March 26 at 14:00, the assault forces set sail from the port of Falmouth. The entire fleet was arranged in three columns, with the destroyer "Ashton" carrying Colonel Seymour in the middle of the column. Behind him were the gunboat No. 314, the destroyer "Tindale," and the destroyer "Canberra-Tawen." To the west were 14 motorboats and torpedo boat No. 74. The entire formation was heading towards Saint-Nazaire in the Bay of Biscay at a speed of 13 knots. Behind him were the gunboat No. 314, the destroyer "Tindale," and the destroyer "Canberra-Tawen." To the west were 14 motorboats and torpedo boat No. 74. The entire formation was heading towards Saint-Nazaire in the Bay of Biscay at a speed of 13 knots.

At 16:30 and 17:20 on that day, two more explosions occurred in Saint-Nazaire, caused by the detonation of timed torpedoes launched from the assault team's torpedo boats. The outer gate of the old entrance was destroyed, blocking the entrance, and the machinery for opening and closing the dock gate was also damaged. Many German soldiers present were sent to their demise.

The moon hung high in the sky, shrouded in a thin mist over the ship. The roar of bombers shattered this beautiful scene, and soon the upper reaches of the Loire River were engulfed by the sounds of explosions, casting a crimson hue over Saint-Nazaire. Searchlights pierced the night sky, and anti-aircraft guns and machine guns fired incessantly. Seymour calculated from the sounds based on his experience that there were a total of 8 Wellington bombers. Saint-Nazaire must now be filled with smoke and in a state of utter chaos. Seymour calculated from the sounds based on his experience that there were a total of 8 Wellington bombers. Saint-Nazaire must now be filled with smoke and in a state of utter chaos

Seymour divided the team into 8 small squads, first infiltrating the old town of Saint-Nazaire to the south of the dock, and then moving right into the city center. This strategy allowed them to avoid the enemy's heavy fire zone, and subsequently, they engaged in combat while retreating, maneuvering towards the Spanish border.

In the battle to assault Saint-Nazaire, the British paid a heavy price. The Navy lost 3 officers and 751 soldiers. The "Commando" units lost 34 officers and 178 soldiers. Ultimately, Colonel Seymour, who escaped from German captivity and made his way back to the UK via Spain, returned with only 4 comrades.

Although the losses were substantial, as Colonel Seymour had anticipated, this bold operation essentially achieved its intended effect, instilling fear in the German forces. The name of the special operations unit "Commando" not only spread throughout Britain but also struck terror into Germany

The Normandy dock was right before them. Colonel Seymour decisively ordered the "Canberra Tawin" to initiate the attack. At 1:36, the destroyer, traveling at a speed of 20 knots, headed straight for the dock's water gate and collided violently. The bow struck the floating gate of the dock with a loud crash, causing crew members on board to be thrown to the deck by the powerful shock, with many sustaining injuries. The floating gate of the dock was severely damaged. Three minutes later, a delayed detonation bomb in the aft compartment of the bow gun position detonated the high explosives in the fuel tank, resulting in a thunderous explosion that reverberated across the water. This loud noise caused both sides to pause their firing for several dozen seconds.

Saint-Nazaire is located on the west coast of France at the mouth of the Loire River, adjacent to the Bay of Biscay. This site features France's only dry dock capable of accommodating large German warships. The dock measures 350 meters in length and 50 meters in width, making it one of the largest dry docks in the world, capable of servicing vessels up to 85,000 tons. It has gates at both ends that allow ships to be pulled into the hidden dock, where the gates can be closed to drain the water. When used as an entrance, the gates can open and close alternately as the vessel passes through. Additionally, there is a shelter for submarines, where the German military conducted repairs on warships and trained personnel. It served as a significant naval base for the German forces during World War II

The dock was ablaze with flames, shrouded in swirling smoke, creating a dizzying atmosphere that made it difficult to organize effective collaboration

At 16:00, a strong wind suddenly arose over the sea, and the waves surged violently towards the deck, as if testing these commandos. Although the team members had sweated during training, many still could not withstand the actual wind and waves, succumbing to seasickness and vomiting one after another. In particular, the soldiers on the motorboat not only had to endure the torment of the bumps but also faced the perilous test of being thrown into the sea by the waves.

Only 5 minutes had passed when the German artillery on both sides suddenly launched another round of intense shelling against the assault team. The destroyer "Canberra Tower" swiftly navigated through the most intense barrage to reach the firing zone. The captain proposed to Colonel Seymour that in order to approach the Normandy docks as quickly as possible, they could no longer remain silent. Otherwise, they would only be subjected to fire.

In order to conduct covert operations and make the destroyer "Canberra Tawan" resemble German torpedo boats during this battle, he proposed to shorten the ship's chimney and paint it in colors similar to those of German torpedo boats. With the involvement of specialized technicians, the "Canberra Tawan" underwent modifications. To navigate through the shallow waters of the estuary, the original three 100 mm guns, all torpedo launchers, and depth charge throwers were removed, reducing the draft from 4.3 meters to 3.2 meters. Additionally, bulletproof plates capable of withstanding 20 mm armor-piercing shells were installed on the foredeck and bridge.

After being lost for a long time, the German army finally awakened from their confusion; they had finally discerned the purpose of this fleet. They hurriedly gathered artillery from various sources to prevent the assault troops from landing, and the situation of the battle began to grow more complex

As dusk approached, the sea suddenly became calm. Colonel Seymour and Commander Lloyd of the naval vessel were reviewing the anchorage formation upon arrival in the Bay of Biscay in front of the nautical chart in the cockpit. While they were discussing, the observer reported: "Situation detected ahead"

Seymour leaped from the gunboat, leading eight commandos towards the shore. They crawled through the enemy's fire blockade, heading straight for the German command post next to the dock, where two team members fell in a pool of blood. The first squad, rushing down from the motorboat, prepared to destroy the control station of the sluice gate, but under the glare of the enemy's searchlights, they were met with fierce gunfire and all perished. The second squad disembarked from the "Canberra Tawin," maneuvering into the water supply station, eliminating scattered defenders, quickly sabotaging the water supply system, and subsequently destroying the sluice gate control station. The first squad, rushing down from the motorboat, prepared to destroy the control station of the sluice gate, but under the glare of the enemy's searchlights, they were met with fierce gunfire and all perished. The second squad disembarked from the "Canberra Tawin," maneuvering into the water supply station, eliminating scattered defenders, quickly sabotaging the water supply system, and subsequently destroying the sluice gate control station

Seymour agreed with the captain's opinion and immediately ordered the crew to lower the German naval flag and raise the British flag

At midnight on March 22, the sound of gunfire echoed in the port of Dover, England, as flares traced arcs in the sky and various vessels busily maneuvered. The "Commando" assault team was conducting a live-fire exercise codenamed "Realistic," while the destroyer "Canberra" performed an action simulating an assault on the dock gate.

The mission to raid the Normandy dock is quite formidable. The Army commander responsible for directing the special operations is Colonel Seymour. He is astute and tough, quick-witted and adaptable, having participated in numerous special operations missions, earning multiple accolades, including commendation from Prime Minister Churchill. Upon accepting the mission, Seymour immediately began preparations, establishing a raid command center. He selected 155 members from the 2nd Squadron of the special operations "Commando" and the headquarters also recommended 80 members with exceptional demolition skills. Due to the increased vigilance of the target's defensive forces, the special assault team was further supplemented with 30 special forces members, bringing the total number of this special assault team, including the commander, to nearly 300.

The dispatched reconnaissance personnel returned with the report: "A bomb shelter has been discovered ahead"

Seymour's concerns did not diminish, as he knew that if the German submarine had not been sunk, it would certainly send a telegram to the German command in Saint-Nazaire, putting the raid operation in a passive position. The fleet arrived one and a half hours ahead of the scheduled plan. After anchoring at the designated location, the command post was transferred to Gunboat No. 314, and other personnel were also transferred to the motorboat

The German troops took them to the German garrison headquarters, where they underwent a brief interrogation, and then sent them to a detention center located 25 kilometers west of Saint-Nazaire, where many commandos were already held

While moving and fighting, Seymour felt that this was too exhausting. Many team members were seriously injured, and they were nearing a situation of running out of ammunition and supplies. He decided to first find a hiding place to rest briefly, and wait until nightfall to disperse for action.

Seymour scanned the dark riverbank with his gaze, glancing at his luminous watch; it was already 1:20 AM. The estuary of the Loire had returned to silence. This tranquility filled Seymour with unease. Could it be that the German forces at the estuary were frightened by the bombardment? Was it possible that the Germans had not deployed at all? Just as he was pondering this, several beams of searchlight suddenly shot from the west bank of the Loire. Under the intense illumination of the searchlights, a barrage of artillery fire poured down, and two motorboats were hit in the sudden attack.