Storming St. Nazaire: The Gripping Story of the Dock-Busting Raid, March 1942

Rating:
Summary: Detailed and gripping.
Review: A well-researched and -written book on the British commando attack on the docks in St. Nazaire, France, in March of 1942. Dorrian points out the risky nature of the raid, the limited support given to the raiding force by the Admiralty and the Royal Air Force, and the incredible courage and persistance of the commandos and sailors assigned to the mission. Dorrian also brings the French residents into the story, and shows how the German occupiers took out their revenge on them. Unlike many current military history titles, the maps are useful! The two biggest drawbacks : as this title was originally published in Great Britain, the author does not explain his use of certain British military terms (e.g. "O group", "pongo") and practically no research was done from the German side. Nonetheless, highly recommended to those interested in the Second World War, special operations, or naval history.

Rating:
Summary: Well-written, detailed, and, where necessary, critical.
Review: Author Dorrian tells the story of the raid to destroy the docks at St. Nazaire so as to deny a berth to the German battleship TIRPITZ. He describes the strategic situation, outlines the plan, and gives some background on the primary individuals involved before getting into a highly-detailed account of the raid itself. He gives full credit to the crews of the British motor torpedo boats who found themselves in a harrowing situation without having volunteered for it, unlike the commandoes they were supporting. Dorrian does not hesitate to criticize the lack of support given to the raiding force by the Admiralty and the RAF. He also shows how the local French suffered as a result of the German response to the raid, side effects that are often overlooked in glowing accounts of World War Two special operations. Ultimately, the book shows how a well-trained, highly-motivated military unit can achieve remarkable success despite great difficulties. Highly recommended to anyone interested in special operations or coastal defense.