HMS Campbeltown approaching the Saint-Nazaire Dock, March 22 1942 during ‘Operation Chariot’. This was a daring 'Trojan Horse' attack to cripple the dry dock in the German held French port, which the British feared could be used as a repairs facility for major enemy warships. Along with a small escort of motor launches, a combined force of 264 Commandos and 341 sailors made their approach under a barrage of fire. The Campbeltown smashed into the dock's caisson, then hastily disembarked her 78 Commandos to take up defensive positions. Inside the ship's bow were 24 depth-charges primed to explode at a given time. Following a night of courageous resistance by the heavily outnumbered Commandos the next morning the lethal cargo aboard Campbeltown still had not detonated. It finally erupted 30 minutes before noon, destroying the dock’s metal gate.