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 difficulties that occurred for the RAF when the diversionary raid was carried out with impossible conditions, and the ensuing loss of aircraft across Yorkshire and in the Channel. Lush examines whether greater success could have been achieved if the RAF had not been marginalised during the planning process for 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. 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. REVIEWS: "There is nobody more qualified to write this book. Lush's exceptional eye for detail and intimate knowledge of this most famous of all raids ? attributes from which I have personally benefitted ? is combined here with a first-rate narrative style. The result is an excellent account of the RAF's role in the 'Greatest Raid of All' on Saint Nazaire in March 1942, which has hitherto ? and unfairly ? languished hidden in dusty archives. Lush has brought it all brilliantly to life." Dr Robert Lyman FRHistS, author of 'Into the Jaws of Death' 16pp b/w photos
