Ship Locks

This dock photograph was brought to mind by this topic. It is a photograph of the HMS Campbeltown well embedded in the dock gates at St. Nazaire, the Kriegsmarine's main submarine base.

Originally a US Navy Wickes class destroyer, USS Buchanan, she was transferred to the Royal Navy during WWll and renamed. After a brief period on loan to the Royal Nederlands Navy she was returned to Royal Navy service in 1941.

Altered to look like a German Mšwe class destroyer she took part in the raid on St. Nazaire on 26/28 March 1942, flying the German Kriegsmarine flag on the channel approach, but hoisting the White Ensign for the attack. Filled with explosive she blew up on March 28th wrecking the dock gates and blocking the inner seaway. This magnificent little destroyer had served with the navies of three countries and flown the flags of four. Finding this photograph on a 1942 postcard would indeed be a treasure, though not likely.

Terry

That's a great postcard Terrence, especially too it being a 'disaster' type.

Two Summers ago, my wife and I found 7 original B/W cards of the V2 rockets - for 50 cents each! I couldn't believe my luck, but, it does happen every now and then.

Chimo

Bujutsu

This has been posted elsewhere, but since several have referenced the Panama Canal, this story is worth re-posting here:

Hi Bujutsu,

This was a photograph taken by German Army photographers. I don't think it has ever graced a postcard, but I would love to have one. Especially if it was sent by one of the British POWs. It was indeed a disaster-for the Germans, as it put their North Atlantic submarine base out of action.

Incidently one of the five VCs awarded was to a gunner on one of the small MTB type support craft. So relentless was his gunnery against one of the German Navy ships that the German captain later recommended to a senior British officer POW that his action be recognised. It is the only VC awarded for a British sea action on the recommendation of an enemy officer.

Terry

Edit for typo. TC.

Actually, Nicaragua is gearing up to build a canal of their own.