From Dieppe to D-Day: The Memoirs of Vice Admiral Jock Hughes-Hallett

During World War II, Captain John Jock Hughes-Hallett played a crucial role in planning the Combined Operations cross-Channel raids that harassed the Germans along the coast of Occupied France. He was the Naval Commander of the Dieppe Raid of August 1942, which led to one of the most important decisions regarding the D-Day landings of June 1944. His memoirs have not been published until now, and they constitute one of the most important wartime autobiographies to be presented to the world in recent decades.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

When delving into the intricate planning that underpinned the Combined Operations cross-Channel raids that relentlessly harassed the Germans along the coast of Occupied France during the Second World War, one name consistently emerges: the remarkable Captain John Jock Hughes-Hallett. Serving as the Deputy Director of the Local Defence Division at the Admiralty in 1940 and 1941, Hughes-Hallett's contributions to the war effort were significant. His ascent to Naval Adviser at Combined Operations Headquarters marked a pivotal point in his military career. Alongside the esteemed Lord Louis Mountbatten, Hughes-Hallett orchestrated the Commando raids that stretched from Norway to Normandy, effectively tying down German troops in numbers far exceeding those deployed on the raids. From 1942 to 1943, Hughes-Hallett assumed the roles of Commodore commanding the Channel Assault Force (known as J Force) and Naval Chief of Staff (X). His most notable achievement was undoubtedly his role as the Naval Commander during the ill-fated Dieppe Raid of August 1942. Despite the disastrous outcome of this operation, Hughes-Hallett's bold declaration that if a port could not be captured, then one should be taken across the Channel laid the foundation for a crucial decision that would shape the D-Day landings of June 1944. His unwavering determination and innovative thinking played a pivotal role in the development of Mulberry Harbours, a critical component of the overall Operation Overlord plan. As the Naval Chief of Staff to the Operation Overlord planners, Hughes-Hallett's expertise and experience shone through. His unwavering commitment to the success of the complex operation ultimately contributed to its resounding triumph. After retiring from the Royal Navy with the rank of Vice Admiral, Hughes-Hallett embarked on a new chapter in his life as a Member of Parliament for Croydon East and then Croydon North East. It is remarkable that the memoirs of this remarkable individual have remained unpublished until now, offering a unique perspective on the Second World War and the pivotal role played by Captain John Jock Hughes-Hallett.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399045575