A group of medals awarded to Lance Sergeant Donald Charles Randall, who took part in Operation Chariot, one of the most pivotal operations in World War II, sold for £22,000 (plus buyer’s premium) in the Militaria and Ethnographica Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 19th March. The medals comprise a Distinguished Conduct Medal, a 1939-45 Star, a 1939-45 War Medal and Efficiency Medal with Territorial Suspender, and were sold together with Randall’s ID tags, cap, beret, webbing belt, uniform badges and insignia as well as letters and telegrams relating to him being missing in action, being a prisoner of war and further items of interest.
Operation Chariot was a daring British commando raid during World War II, carried out on 28th March 1942. Its objective was to destroy the heavily fortified dry dock at St. Nazaire, France, which was used by Nazi Germany’s battleship Tirpitz. The raid aimed to prevent the Tirpitz from using the dock for repairs and resupply, thereby disrupting German naval operations in the Atlantic. The operation involved 611 men from the British Royal Navy, Royal Engineers, and the 2nd Special Service Brigade. They sailed from the UK on a converted destroyer, HMS Campbeltown, which was packed with explosives. The plan was to ram the Campbeltown into the dock gate, causing a massive explosion. Meanwhile, other commandos were tasked with attacking German positions and destroying vital infrastructure.
Despite encountering strong German resistance, the raid succeeded in its primary objective: Campbeltown rammed the dock gate, and the subsequent explosion severely damaged it, rendering it unusable for the Germans for the rest of the war. However, the raid came at a heavy cost. Of the 611 men, 169 were killed, and 215 were captured. Many of the survivors were taken prisoner, but the operation was deemed a success due to its strategic impact on the German navy.
Operation Chariot remains a remarkable example of bravery and audacity, highlighting the commitment to disrupting enemy operations at any cost. Randall was shot during the operation and was one of the 215 to be captured. One of the bullets included with this lot was found trapped in his belt after the raid when it fell to the floor in the lavatory after he was taken prisoner.
Speaking of the sale, Donald Randall’s son, Grant Randall said:
"In this ever-changing and frankly worrying world, my greatest concern as I get older in retirement was to secure these mementos in the hands of someone who will truly value them to cherish and ensure the future memory of my father’s, L/Sgt Donald Charles Randall, Cameron Highlanders, No2 Commando, and his comrades' endeavours in the name of our freedom, then, now and in the future.
Operation Chariot took place on 28th of March 1942. It is remembered by gatherings in London and Falmouth, from where the flotilla departed, but particularly in the town of St Nazaire where many of the fallen were buried. The town marks the anniversary over two days, and I clearly remember a speech by, I believe the mayor, saying that the event and participants of the raid were the first to give the French hope. I believe that the raid is recognised as a pivotal point in the war with Nazi Germany.
The collection included material which paints a story of his part in Operation Chariot, which included him surviving bullets and subsequent capture, and letters to his mother notifying her of his being missing in action and his subsequent status. Also included were a memorial artwork print of the flotilla creeping up the Loire estuary, and mementos of reunions including with HRH, Duke of Edinburgh on HM Yacht Britannia".
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