The Dutch Government requested that the name be changed to Middleburg but because this would not be in keeping with the initial town name system the British Government refused. HMS Campbeltown reverted back to being manned by British Crew at the beginning of October and joined the 27th Escort Group and given the job of protecting convoys on the West African route. While on these duties, she again went into Devonport for repairs. After the repairs HMS Campbeltown was selected for the now famous St Nazaire raid. At Devonport she had two funnels removed so to look like the German Mowe class destroyer/torpedo boats. HMS Campbeltown (with a large number of Commandoes onboard) along with supporting MTBs, on the night of the 28th March 1942, succeeded in lodging herself at the gates of the Normandie Lock, (this being the only lock, which had been built for the French Ocean Liner Normandie that could take the mighty German battleship Tirpitz. HMS Campbeltown remained wedged until 11:35 hours, when she exploded. HMS Campbeltown became the most famous of all the "town Class" ships for this daring raid and subsequent dramatic end.

On 10 March 1942, Campbeltown arrived at Devonport Dockyard, Portsmouth, where the extensive alterations could be carried out, hopefully, in the three weeks left. The ship was 95 metres long, by almost 10 metres across the beam, and a very slim craft, her flush-deck and four tall funnels giving her a very recognisable silhouette. The Campbeltown displaced almost 1200 tons, and with steam in all four boilers, could make a good 35 knots.

In converting the Campbeltown, it would be necessary always to think of how her draught would be affected by every pound of armour and explosives brought on board. To be sure of getting her safely across the mudbanks she would have to lightened to the extent that, even when the work was completed, her draught would be less than it was when work started.

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