Marking The Anniversary Of Operation Frankton

Seventy-five years ago 10 commandos climbed into canoes to launch an ill-fated attack against merchant ships supplying the German Army. 

Now remembered as the Cockleshell heroes, their mission involved approaching the target ships by stealth under cover of night to attach limpet mines to their hulls. Only two would survive. Six were executed by the Germans, the others died from hypothermia.

Today a team of special boat services association members paddled down the Thames to commemorate their bravery and to remember Operation Franklin. 

This is the start of a series of events which are marking the anniversary of Operation Frankton, which will culminate in the team here today setting out to recreate the journey of the cockleshell heroes through France later this year. 

It's certainly a tough ask to raise money and awareness for a cause that's shrouded in secrecy, but with the association providing vital support for families of SBS they're certainly grasping this rare opportunity to help.

As well as the fundraising and the recognition of the cockleshell heroes, it's also about acknowledging the men serving today who's efforts go largely unseen, but show the same bravery as those Commandos 75 years ago:

The team set out on their 70-mile mission in September