001. William Edward "Bill" Sparkes (1922–2002) And The "Cockleshell" Raid

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In Folder: London Passenger Transport Board's "Cockleshell Hero"

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001. William Edward "Bill" Sparkes (1922–2002) And The "Cockleshell" Raid

On 7th December 1942, Bill and 9 other Royal Marines set out in 5 canoes down the River Gironde in France on a mission to blow up seven German ships in Bordeaux harbour - officially known as Operation Frankton. They were dubbed the “cockleshell heroes” because of the Cockle Mark II canoes used in the raid. The team were tasked with travelling 60 miles up the river in order to attach limpet mines to enemy ships - travelling only at night to avoid being seen and evade capture. Eight members of the crew were killed or captured during the operation, but it was still deemed a success.

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