Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Some of you must have suspected that I am writing about this topic (for Chandos). Today I finished the words (45,000) which covers the story from the Battle of the Falkland Islands in 1914, what they did prior to being in Brest (all 3 warships) from June 1941, Bomber Command's attempts to sink them in port, 12 Feb 42 and what happened afterwards such as this:


https://www.underwaterkwaj.com/kwaj/eugen.htm


I will be working on the photos over the coming weeks (currently around 250) but the book will not be out until next year. It will cover on the day both air and surface activities and the foreword is being written by the current CO of 825 Sqn. Like KG 40, I will keep you updated as and when I have any news

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Great news. We need a thorough book on the subject.

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Finished-300 photos, 45,000 words plus photo captions. I will keep all up to date with developments and publication date

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Please do.

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

unusually for me, I'm rather more interested in the attackers than the defenders on this one. Hopefully you have unearthed some Swordfish images!

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Even though Foreword is being written by current OC 825 Sqn, no relevant Swordfish photos have emerged. Trouble is 825 Sqn played such a small but valiant attack that this is what many have concentrated on. Efforts by Bomber and Coastal Command were in vain and the only German ship to be sunk the whole day was by Hurricanes of 607 Sqn, Sqn Ldr Noel Mowatt hitting a Vorpostenboot with 2 x 250lb bombs. Then you have combat between RAF bombers and Bf 110s...........quite a day

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Although I'm not one for viewing the war through Churchil quotes, this might be apt regarding the German 'success': 'We must be very careful not to assign to this deliverance the attributes of a victory. Wars are not won by evacuations.'

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Indeed. As I have written:

When further asked by Manny Shinwell, Labour Member of Parliament for Seaham Harbour:

"If there was no deficiency in organisation and foresight, how was it that these vessels managed to escape?"

Attlee replied glibly :

"I think the answer to that is 'tis not in mortals to command success'."

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Final tweaks completed and as I send off photos, another 8 arrive! 45,000 words less foreword, 324 photos. Out next year

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Update. Final edit finished and photos and profiles inserted into the text. Final PDF next and then place your orders with Chandos (don't get caught out like the KG 40 book which is sold out twice and copies are appearing on eBay at twice the price!)

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Thanks for the heads-up Chris.

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Final edit coming to a close so should have a better idea of publication date soon. Extra 30 photos added

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

First PDFs have arrived. I will admit the profiles of both the aircraft and ships are superb. 166 pages less index but including appendices. No doubt Chandos will be in touch about how and when to order

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Sounds great Chris and looking forward to this one very much - for anyone interested in the subject to wet your appetite while you wait for this book, the “We Have Ways” podcast has just done a mini series on the channel dash which was fabulous.

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Don’t know if know him Si but Ben Dando has written foreword. I would have been an ideal contributor to such a podcast…….

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Couldn’t agree more Chris - sadly despite being a paid up member of the Patreon for the podcast their team are unresponsive to suggestions/offers of help and it rolls on as a one/two man band for the main part. It’s a real shame as authors such as yourself could add so much more to their podcast which despite its many limitations is still my favourite…

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Book is off to printers imminently so keep an eye on the Chandos web site to pre-order

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

I'm very much looking forwards to this

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Book should be available 31 July. Chandos website will have more details and how to buy. Pre-sales are already high so like KG 40 book which sold out twice in a very short period of time, if you want a copy don’t delay!

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

*NOW TAKING PRE-ORDERS!*

‘Cerberus’ and ‘Thunderbolt’: The Kriegsmarine’s ‘Channel Dash’ and the Luftwaffe’s Triumph, 12 February 1942
(Chandos Publications - August 2026)
by Chris Goss
176 pages - hardback
£45.00

"I am pleased to announce the imminent release of our fantastic new title! Chris Goss returns to Chandos with his latest work, the result of many years research including many primary sources. New information is presented alongside superb colour profiles, maps and hundreds of photographs to tell the story of the ‘Channel Dash’ in a new and fascinating way."

Delivery of the book is expected in late August – you can pre-order now to reserve your copy. Your book will be sent when available.

"On the evening of 11 February 1942, following orders from Adolf Hitler, and under the codename ‘Operation Cerberus’ (Zerberus), the German Kriegsmarine, supported by the Luftwaffe, commenced an audacious operation. Having suffered RAF bombing raids on the completion of their commerce-raiding cruises into the Atlantic, three of the Kriegsmarine’s greatest capital ships, the battle-cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, and the heavy cruiser, Prinz Eugen, escaped from the Breton port of Brest in a daylight ‘dash’ through the English Channel bound for the ports of Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbuttel on the German North Sea coast. The operation was accomplished under a carefully planned and equally audacious air cover operation mounted by the Luftwaffe, codenamed ‘Operation Thunderbolt’ (Donnerkeil). The Luftwaffe committed nearly 300 fighter and bomber sorties to the operation, and despite fierce air combat engagement, involving around 675 sorties from RAF Fighter, Bomber and Coastal Commands, the Kriegsmarine and the Luttwatte justifiably claimed the ‘Channel Dash’ a triumph.

In this deeply researched, absorbing and gripping study, aviation historian Chris Goss presents the ‘Dash’ from the perspectives of both sides – and the results – drawing on contemporary accounts and documents, along with the most recent research and analysis. His narrative is complemented by hundreds of rare photographs, colour artwork and maps, and collectively resus in the most detailed and compelling coverage of ‘Cerberus’ and Thunderbolt’ so far published."

https://www.chandospublications.co.u...d-thunderbolt/

Re: Channel Dash 12 Feb 1942
 

Guys - thanks for the interest.

I can confirm that the book should be with me / wholesalers on Friday 31st July after a short delivery delay.

Pre-orders are looking strong, and if this is anything like Chris's last book for Chandos it will sell out soon! Make sure you secure your copy, either on the eBay UK page or from my own website shop.


cheers
Rich