| Special Forces Operations in 1942 |
One of the most prominent special forces operations in 1942 was Operation Chariot, a British Commando raid on the heavily fortified dry dock at Saint-Nazaire in Nazi-occupied France. The objective of the raid was to destroy the dock, which was the only one on the Atlantic coast capable of servicing the German battleship Tirpitz. The raid involved a complex plan that included ramming an explosive-laden destroyer, HMS Campbeltown, into the dock gates, followed by a commando assault to destroy key targets. Despite heavy losses, the mission was successful in achieving its objective and disrupting the German navy’s ability to operate in the Atlantic.
Another significant special forces operation in 1942 was the American-led raid on the Japanese-held island of Makin, carried out by the US Marine Raiders and naval special forces. The objective of the raid was to gather intelligence and divert Japanese forces from other theaters of war. The raid involved a nighttime amphibious assault, during which the special forces units successfully captured the island and destroyed key targets.