OVERVIEW

The most valuable asset carried by the Chariot force was the store of assorted explosives with which it was intended, firstly to render the mechanism of the great NORMANDIE dock inoperative, and secondly to block the passage of enemy forces seeking to reinforce the landing zones.

In the case of the primary target, the massive southern caisson whose destruction alone would spell success, these explosives would be buried within the bows of the old destroyer CAMPBELTOWN. However for all other targets - including the northern caisson, winding huts and the pumping station of the dry dock, and the various bridges and lock gates connecting the dockyard to the body of the town – they were to be backpacked by commandos specially chosen for the job. Following in the wake of assault troops, these heavily laden experts would be protected throughout by parties dedicated to their defence.

For all targets in the immediate area of the Normandie dock, men and charges would be carried on board the Campbeltown and designated Group 3: for targets in the northern portion of the bridgehead, they would be landed in the Old Entrance by the motor launches of Group 2: while for the many demolition tasks in around the Old Town the various parties would be put ashore at the Old Mole by the MLs of Group1. To supervise the placing of charges and exercise proximate control, Captain Bob Montgomery and Lieutenant Bill Etches would land from Campbeltown, while a small party under Captain Bill Pritchard would disembark at the Mole.

Out of a total of some 250 commandos tied to specific tasks ashore, the burden of destruction would be shouldered by a mere 79 who, split into 11 teams would inevitably be stretched to the limit in terms of what they could reasonably be expected to achieve. There was no spare capacity: every man and every ounce of explosive was vital to success.