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Canoe Commandos' Suicide Mission Against Nazis
1 Sep
Summary
- Royal Marines used canoes for a daring raid on enemy ships.
- The mission targeted German vessels in Bordeaux port.
- Operation Frankton was considered a high-risk suicide mission.
In December 1942, a daring operation codenamed Frankton saw a small contingent of Royal Marines undertake a perilous mission. These commandos were tasked with paddling canoes through freezing, enemy-controlled waters to sabotage German ships docked in the port of Bordeaux.
This extraordinary mission, led by figures like Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler and Bill Sparks, was notoriously described as a 'suicide mission.' Their objective was to strike a blow against enemy supply lines, a critical endeavor during World War II, with the hope of surviving the dangerous operation and returning to England.
The story of Operation Frankton is one of incredible courage and ingenuity. It highlights the lengths to which soldiers would go to achieve their objectives, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds and the high probability of failure or capture.
