St. Nazaire, France, now houses a museum that proudly displays a hatch from the HMS Campbeltown, a significant artifact found about 100 yards away from where the ship’s explosive payload detonated in 1942. The hatch originated from the starboard side of the Campbeltown’s deckhouse, which was mostly destroyed in the blast. This relic serves as a powerful reminder of the vessel’s pivotal role in history.
The HMS Campbeltown embarked on a mission on March 26, 1942, departing from Falmouth with the objective of damaging the drydock in St. Nazaire, France. The ship aimed to render the repair yard inoperable, depriving the German Navy of a crucial facility. To achieve this, the Campbeltown was specially equipped with additional 20mm guns on deck and loaded with 4.5 tonnes of explosives in its bow.
Despite facing heavy fire, the HMS Campbeltown managed to reach the harbor in St. Nazaire by utilizing clever tactics, including briefly transmitting a German identification code to deceive defenders. The ship rammed the dock gate at a high speed, causing significant damage upon impact. Hours later, the explosives in the bow detonated, successfully destroying the gates and crippling the dry dock, effectively disrupting German operations.
Accompanied by 16 torpedo boats carrying commandos, the Campbeltown’s mission was deemed a triumph, although at a great cost. The casualties numbered 169 killed and 200 taken prisoner out of the 611 individuals involved in Operation Chariot. Despite the losses, the raid achieved its strategic objective, albeit with significant sacrifices.
A rare discovery during port upgrades at St. Nazaire unveiled the metal hatch from the Campbeltown, offering an intriguing glimpse into the ship’s past. Bearing the inscription “Door No. 6. Collision. Close and Dog Immediately,” the hatch serves as a tangible link to the vessel’s heroic deeds. Efforts by museum director Marc Braeuer and his team ensured the preservation and identification of this historic artifact, shedding light on the Campbeltown’s role in World War II.
Through meticulous research and analysis of the hatch’s design, Braeuer verified its authenticity and significance, connecting it to the iconic ship’s final moments before its destruction. The retrieval and preservation of this hatch symbolize the enduring legacy of the HMS Campbeltown and its contribution to the Allied cause during the war.