Campbeltown was intended to detonate around 04:30, but the acid-pencil delay lasted into the morning while senior German personnel toured the wreck. The eventual explosion killed hundreds and destroyed the dock gate just as interrogators were dismissing the raid's effect. Delayed torpedoes exploded the following afternoon at the basin's old entrance, convincing defenders that the attack was still unfolding. Organisation Todt workers fleeing in khaki were mistaken for British troops, prompting friendly fire and a wider search that also harmed townspeople.
Notable Point · 1:50:21-1:51:58
Delayed charges keep St Nazaire in crisis
Campbeltown's late explosion and delayed motor-torpedo-boat weapons turn apparent German control into casualties, panic, searches, and friendly fire long after the raiders have left.