Sky History takes us back to the daring days of World War II with a new episode of “Commando Missions” this Monday. “Frankton Operation” recounts the audacious December 1942 raid that saw Royal Marines infiltrate Bordeaux Harbour, deep within occupied France, to strike a blow against the German war machine.
The mission, a feat of planning and bravery, involved launching five canoes from a submarine, each carrying a two-man team. Their objective: to plant limpet mines on German ships docked in the harbor. Against the odds, only two canoes made it to their target.
This episode follows the harrowing journey of the commandos, from their clandestine insertion to the tense moments of planting the mines and their subsequent escape, aided by members of the French Resistance. The raid’s success, impacting German supply lines and ship repairs, proved a significant disruption to the Nazi war effort. “Commando Missions” brings history to life through dramatic reconstructions, archival footage, and animation, offering a visceral sense of what these brave soldiers experienced.
Tune in to Sky History on Monday, April 21st at 9:00 PM GMT for a gripping account of the “Frankton Operation.”