St. Nazaire, France – A historical museum in St. Nazaire, France, recently acquired a piece of maritime history – a hatch from the HMS Campbeltown. This hatch was discovered just 100 yards away from the drydock where the ship’s explosive payload went off in 1942, leaving a significant impact on the area.
The HMS Campbeltown, a WWI-era destroyer, set sail from Falmouth on a daring mission to damage the drydock in St. Nazaire, hoping to disrupt German naval operations. The ship was heavily armed and packed with explosives, ultimately sacrificing itself to achieve its objective.
Despite facing heavy fire from German defenders, the HMS Campbeltown managed to ram the dock gate, detonating its explosive cargo and causing significant damage to the drydock. The mission, known as Operation Chariot, was considered a success, but it came at a high cost, with many lives lost and others taken as prisoners of war.
The recent discovery of the hatch from the HMS Campbeltown serves as a poignant reminder of the vessel’s heroic mission and its ultimate sacrifice. The artifact, bearing the markings “Door No.6. Collision. Close and Dog Immediately,” was found during port upgrades in St. Nazaire, sparking interest from maritime historians and enthusiasts.
Marc Braeuer, director of the Musée Le Grand Blockhaus, played a crucial role in preserving and researching the hatch to confirm its authenticity. The artifact, which is visible in historical photos of the HMS Campbeltown, offers a tangible connection to the events that unfolded during Operation Chariot.
The significance of the hatch lies not only in its historical value but also in its ability to keep the memory of the brave sailors and commandos who carried out the daring mission alive. As it finds a new home in the museum near St. Nazaire, the hatch continues to tell the story of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of those who served aboard the HMS Campbeltown.