The story
The Cockleshell Heroes Raid: Ten British Commandos in five two-man canoes were launched from a submarine to attack enemy shipping in the port of Bordeaux, France. Three canoes were lost but two paddle 70 miles up-river to plant limpet mines on ships in the harbour. Six vessels were disabled. Two Commandos were drowned en route, six were captured and executed and two made it back to England, United Kingdom.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.