The Greatest Raid

Name: The Greatest Raid
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9780241992258
Price: 27.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

St Nazaire, 1942: The Heroic Story of Operation Chariot

By Giles Whittell

0.0 (0 reviews)

4.1

( 139 ratings, 14 reviews)

Summary

The Greatest Raid by Giles Whittell dives into a daring World War II mission, exploring the strategic planning and execution of an audacious Commando raid on the heavily fortified docks of Saint-Nazaire. This gripping account highlights the teamwork, bravery, and ingenuity of the Allied forces as they aim to hinder the Nazi war effort. Through vivid storytelling, Whittell brings to life the tension and risks of this incredible military operation.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$27⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$30⁰⁰~~

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

The Greatest Raid

$27⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$30⁰⁰~~

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by daring military operations and keen to explore one of WWII's boldest and most audacious raids. It delves into the bravery and strategy behind an extraordinary mission, providing gripping insights for history enthusiasts.

The Greatest Raid

Description

The "gloriously exciting" (The Times) dramatic new account of the most daring British commando raid of World War Two.

In the darkest months of the Second World War, Churchill approved what seemed to many like a suicide mission. Braving the defences of the seemingly impenetrable St Nazaire U-boat base on the Atlantic seaboard, British commandos undertook the greatest raid of all, turning an old destroyer into a live bomb and using it to ram the gates of a Nazi stronghold before exploding it.

Churchill called the raid a 'deed of glory', but as Giles Whittell reveals, it was a fundamentally misconceived raid whose impact and legacy was only secured by the astonishing bravery of its commandos. Drawing on official documents, interviews, unknown accounts and the astonished reactions of French civilians and German forces, The Greatest Raid recreates in cinematic detail the hours in which the "Charioteers" fought and died, unearthing human stories in poignant detail. It offers irreducible proof of the courage, daring and defiance shown by British commandos throughout the war, securing a legacy that resonated for years to come.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Greatest Raid by Giles Whittell is highly praised for its thrilling and gripping narrative, capturing the extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice involved in World War II's St Nazaire raid. The book is considered a masterfully told, cinematic account of heroism, with beautifully written prose that highlights both the drama and the tragic consequences of war. Reviewers commend Whittell's meticulous research and storytelling, which vividly revives the historical episode and its characters.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241992258

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 January 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 225g

Pages: 304

Collections

Education & Reference Giles Whittell History & Military Military History Non-Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Giles Whittell is the author of Bridge of Spies, Spitfire Women of World War II and Snow- A Scientific and Cultural Exploration. He is World Affairs Editor at Tortoise Media, and was previously a writer for The Times in Los Angeles, Moscow, Washington and London.