Royal Navy Type 22 frigate HMS Campbeltown has marked the 69th anniversary of a World War Two battle.

At the end of last month the ship sailed from Falmouth to St Nazaire, in western France, scene of the first Campbeltown's main battle honour. Also present were a contingent from 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery – units which have a connection to the St Nazaire raid, also known as Operation CHARIOT.

St Nazaire was targeted because the loss of its dry dock would force any large German warship in need of repairs, such as the Tirpitz, to return to home waters rather than having a safe haven on the Atlantic coast.

On the March 28, 1942, the obsolete destroyer HMS Campbeltown crossed the English Channel to the coast of France and was rammed into the Normandie dock gates. The ship had been packed with delayed-action explosives that detonated, putting the dock out of service for the remainder of the war. A force of commandos landed to destroy machinery and other structures – they were forced to surrender. After the raid only 228 men returned to Britain –169 were killed and 215 captured.

The name HMS Campbeltown has a distinguished record of Royal Navy service during World War Two, with honours for the Battle of the Atlantic, 1941-1942.The current HMS Campbeltown conducted a seven-gun salute on her departure from St Nazaire, the ship's final port of call under the White Ensign before she was decommissioned at Devonport Naval Base.

DIARY DATES: Today: The Royal Naval Association meets at 20.00 hours at Feversham Street Sea Cadets headquarters.

The Prince Of Wales Own Association meets at 19.30 hours at Bradford Moor Conservative Club.

Wednesday: The Coldstream Guards Association meets at 19.30 hours at Northcliffe Golf Club, Saltaire.

The Green Howards Association meets at 13.30 hours at Headingley Club The Keighley branch of the Royal British Legion meets at 19.30 hours at Holingsroyd house, Lord Street, Keighley.

Monday: The Thornton branch of the Royal British Legion meets at 19.45 hours at Thornton Conservative Club.