Bordeaux bravery

2011-03-31 15:02:56

31 March 2011 Last updated at 15:24 Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print Remembering the secret mission of Cockleshell Heroes By Vanessa Barford BBC News The Royal Marines canoed by night during the secret World War II mission Operation Frankton Continue reading the main story Related Stories 'Cockleshell hero' reflects on mission 'Cockleshell Heroes' remembered Trip remembers Cockleshell heroes

A memorial to the Royal Marines who canoed almost 100 miles behind enemy lines to blow up ships in a daring World War II raid has been unveiled in France. But what did the secret mission entail, and why was it so important?

For 10 marines in December 1942, their secret mission was so daring and dramatic they were hailed as the Cockleshell Heroes and in 1955, immortalised in film.

Unbeknown to them when they signed up for "hazardous service", their job was to the attack enemy German ships moored at the port of Bordeaux in occupied France from their canoes.

Only two men survived to tell the tale, but its significance reportedly led Winston Churchill to say he believed the raid could have shortened the war by six months.

"It was one of the worst years in World War II, Great Britain's fortunes were at a low ebb," said Royal Marines historian Maj Mark Bentinck.

"One thing that Britain realised was happening though, was the Germans had a fleet of about 25 ships that were shipping essential materials - such as oils and natural rubber - that they needed for the war effort, back from the Far East.

"They were also shipping hi-tech things like fuses for shells, ball bearings from Europe to the Far East.

"We realised if we could intercept and sink the ships that would greatly help us and damage them," he said.

UK forces could have bombed the ships, but that would have led to a significant amount of collateral damage to the city of Bordeaux. Catching the vessels at sea would have been difficult, so the best place to target them had been in port, Maj Bentinck said.

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