Cockleshell Heroes: The Most Courageous and Imaginative Commando Raid of World War Two

An astounding account of one of the most audacious commando raids of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of books by Paddy Ashdown, James Holland and Ben Mcintyre.

In December 1942, five two-man canoes were launched from a submarine off the coast of German-occupied France.

The aim of these ten commandos was to paddle over ninety miles from the Bay of Biscay up the Gironde estuary to Bordeaux in order to plant limpet mines on merchant ships supplying the Nazi forces.

Although this operation, which had taken months to prepare for, was a strategic success it came at a huge cost: only two commandos survived the raid, six were executed after they were captured and two died from hypothermia.

C. E. Lucas Phillips’ book, which was written in close collaboration with one of the surviving Cockleshell heroes, Herbert ‘Blondie’ Hasler, provides fascinating insight into this daring assault, from planning right through to the thrilling escape of Hasler and his number two, Bill Sparks, with the help of the French Resistance.

‘A legendary wartime exploit… the outstanding commando raid of the war. You can’t stop reading’ Observer

‘As a story of human courage, the story of the Cockleshell Heroes will live for generations’ Manchester Evening News

‘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.’ Lord Mountbatten