National Memorial Arboretum

The memorial is based on the iconic image of HMS Campbeltown on the caisson of the Normandie Dock having rammed it moments earlier and before the explosives in her bow went off. Two short sections of the inner wall of the dry dock are recreated to form a viewing area (and somewhere to place wreaths) and a section of the outer dock walls on the River Loire side. To allow the visitor to look up at the ship, the viewing area is accessed by a grass slope taking you below ground level. This creates the illusion that ground level represents sea level, with the rear of the ship below the “water line”. The planting represents the waves and sea spray. Also included are 5 bronze commando figures each 180 mm tall to provide a sense of scale. These represent one of the several commando parties which departed HMS Campbeltown during the raid and appear to be running towards the dock buildings on the port side of her. The caisson incorporates OPERATION CHARIOT in raised letters (stencil style to replicate Army kit stencils) at the top and laser cut text and images lower down. As this was a joint Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Commando operation, there is a short piece of text on each with a brief description of the Raid.

Designed by Joanne Risley, Sculptor

Words by Peter Lush, historian and author

This striking memorial is to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who took part and to tell the story of this incredible operation.

The memorial is based on the iconic image of HMS Campbeltown on the caisson of the Normandie Dock having rammed it moments earlier and before the explosives in her bow went off. Two short sections of the inner wall of the dry dock are recreated to form a viewing area (and somewhere to place wreaths) and a section of the outer dock walls on the River Loire side. To allow the visitor to look up at the ship, the viewing area is accessed by a grass slope taking you below ground level. This creates the illusion that ground level represents sea level, with the rear of the ship below the “water line”. The planting represents the waves and sea spray. Also included are 5 bronze commando figures each 180 mm tall to provide a sense of scale. These represent one of the several commando parties which departed HMS Campbeltown during the raid and appear to be running towards the dock buildings on the port side of her. The caisson incorporates OPERATION CHARIOT in raised letters (stencil style to replicate Army kit stencils) at the top and laser cut text and images lower down. As this was a joint Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army Commando operation, there is a short piece of text on each with a brief description of the Raid.

Designed by Joanne Risley, Sculptor

Words by Peter Lush, historian and author

This striking memorial is to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who took part and to tell the story of this incredible operation.

Joanne Risley