Calendar of Gaddesden Society Events
This calendar shows Gaddesden Society events, including talks, film nights and other events run by GadSoc.
The Raid on St Nazaire – 27/28 March 1942
Nick Beattie
Truly the Greatest Raid of WWII
This suicidal mission took place at a very low point in the 2nd WW. The almost incredible aim was to destroy a dry dock situated six miles into the River Loire at the very heavily fortified military port of St Nazaire.
This extraordinary story is told by Nick Beattie, who says:
On 26th March 1942 a small flotilla consisting of one small destroyer and eighteen MTB’s, MGB,s and ML’s with 622 sailors and commandos, left Falmouth harbour to travel a somewhat hazardous 300 miles to the mouth of the river Loire in western France. This was a combined service operation with the RAF also involved.
Their objective was to travel six miles up the river, which was the most heavily fortified in Europe, to ram the dock gate at St Nazaire and destroy the dock and port infrastructure. Surely a crazy idea!
This raid is known as ‘The Greatest Raid of All’ and resulted in about 130 gallantry awards including 5 VC’s.
This is the most extraordinary story of bravery and self sacrifice, illustrating what detailed planning and daring to do what was thought impossible can achieve.
I will tell the story of why this was important, how they did it and how successful they were, together with the consequent repercussions of the event.
I am passionate about telling the story and keeping the memory of the participants alive. My father was one of the participants of the raid.
Nick Beattie
President, St Nazaire Society.
You couldn’t make it up!
Coronation Party
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Come along and celebrate the Coronation together!
Sold Out
Saturday 6th May – 7pm
Live music Ceilidh, disco, hog roast, vegan/vegetarian van, pizza,
jacket potatoes, ice cream van and puddings
Entry £10 (under 18s & special guests £5) Hog roast £10 – SOLD OUT
Hog roast tickets must be purchased in advance.
Paid bar and other food available on the night.
Tickets available from Sarah Gall – 01442 842422
Village Fair
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Come along and celebrate the Coronation together!
Sponsored by Oakleys Estate Agents
Sunday 7th May – 1pm to 4pm
Crafts, face painting, music, bouncy castle, bar, barbeque, treasure hunt, cream teas
Display of children’s artwork dedicated to King Charles III
Village Market stalls
Village Discovery Walk
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For all the family!
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Come along and celebrate the Coronation together!
Monday 8th May – 2.00pm
Start: Thomas Field Hall, Little Gaddesden Church HP4 1NZ
Registration from 1.45pm
Walk: Led by knowledgeable residents – approx 3 miles
around the village of Little Gaddesden.
Children to be accompanied by an adult, please.
Well behaved dogs on leads, please.
Refreshments: Available after the walk at Thomas Field Hall.
Contact: Louise Archer (07920 045474)
louise.m.archer@btinternet.com
Registration: Click here for the registration form.
No need to book and no charge. Just turn up and sign in!
Cancelled if wet!