Norman King (Royal Navy officer)

Norman King (born December 30, 1917, died March 25, 2015) was a British Royal Navy officer. He is best known for his distinguished service during World War II, particularly his involvement in Operation Chariot, the raid on the German-held dry dock at Saint-Nazaire in 1942.

King joined the Royal Navy in 1936 and served in various capacities before volunteering for special operations. During Operation Chariot, he served as a lieutenant in command of the Motor Launch ML 192. ML 192 was responsible for landing demolition parties near the Old Mole to destroy key infrastructure and divert enemy attention. Despite facing heavy fire, King and his crew successfully landed their troops and supported the raid, although the ML was later sunk. King was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery and leadership during the operation.

Following World War II, King remained in the Royal Navy, serving in a number of shore and sea appointments. He retired from the Royal Navy with the rank of commander. In later life, he actively participated in veteran organizations and shared his experiences of the war, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those involved in Operation Chariot and other key battles. His account provided valuable insights into the planning and execution of the raid, as well as the courage and determination of the men who participated. He became a prominent figure in commemorating the events of the Second World War.