Operation Frankton was the operational name for the daring WWII raid when ten Royal Marines navigated the Gironde Estuary in small canoes to attach explosive limpet mines to German merchant vessels docked in the French port of Bordeaux. It later became more famously known as ‘The Cockleshell Heroes Raid’.

While the mission was partially successful, it came at a heavy cost: only two of the original ten men survived—Major Blondie Hasler and Marine Bill Sparks.

Marine Bill Sparks recalled the harrowing journey:

‘We proceeded towards the roar of the surf. As we got closer, the foamy white waters looked intimidating against the dark sky. The tide was carrying us swiftly, and soon we were in turbulent waters, tossed around like corks. I dug deep, using every ounce of strength, knowing the importance of keeping the canoe steady and moving forward.‘

The Combined Military Services Museum in Maldon, Essex, holds a collection of artefacts related to the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment, including rare Cockle canoes—one of which was taken on the raid but remained unused due to damage during the launch. The collection has also featured at the Musée de l’Armée in Paris.

The museum’s archives contain documents, notes, and technical details from Fred Goatley, the Cockle canoe designer, and Major Hasler, the mission’s commanding officer. These materials have been used by historians and authors like Paddy Ashdown in their research.

This book contains a detailed account of the ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ and also provides insight into the Operation Frankton collection at the museum, offering both a comprehensive introduction to the raid and an invaluable resource for military history enthusiasts.

Quentin Rees, author of The Cockleshell Canoes and Cockleshell Heroes: The Final Witness, states,

‘For those who have yet to discover the heroic feats of the ‘Cockleshell Heroes,’ this book presents a concise and compelling overview, enriched with captivating details sure to engage new readers.‘

It serves as both an accurate introduction to the subject and also a valuable addition to the military historian’s bookshelf.

The Combined Military Services Museum is a registered charity and this book is part of the CMSM Guide Book Series that helps raise important funds to enable the museum to exist.

Operation Frankton is available to buy at the museum or via Amazon.