Operation Frankton

The Cockleshell Heroes

Roll Of Honour:

Marine James Conway
Marine Robert Ewart
Major 'Blondie' Haslar
Corporal A.F.Laver
Marine W. H. Mills
Lieutenant J.W. Mackinnon
Marine David Moffatt
Corporal C. G. Sheard
Marine Bill Sparks DSM
Sergeant Samuel Wallace

Monsieur Lucien Gody
Monsieur Maurice Rousseau
Monsieur René Rousseau (16 ans)

LORD LOUIS MOUNTBATTEN
Chief of Combined Operations

In the foreword to the book "Cockleshell Heroes" Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mounbatten of Burma wrote:

"Of the many and dashing raids carried out by the men of Combined Operations Command, none was more courageous or imaginative than "Operation FRANKTON".

An immense amount of trouble was taken over the training of the small handful of picked Royal Marines who took part under the indomitable leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel ((sic) (Major) Hasler. They maintained their object in spite of the frightening losses of the first night and the subsequent ever-increasing difficulties they encountered. Although the force had been reduced to four men, the objective was finally achieved.

The account of this operation brings out the spirit of adventure always present in peace and war among Royal Marines. It emphasizes the tremendous importance of morale - pride in oneself and one's unit - and what a big part physical fitness plays in creating this morale. It also stresses the need for careful detailed planning of operations.

I commend it to all as an account of a fine operation, carried out by a particularly brave party of men."

Click on the link below for the Operation Frankton Story: