Inside The Real Story Of The Cockleshell Heroes Film
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 มิ.ย. 2024
- The real story of the "Cockleshell Heroes" - the World War 2 action film.
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Released in 1955,”The Cockleshell Heroes” starred Jose Ferrer, Trevor Howard, Christopher Lee, David Lodge and Anthony Newley, and tells the story of a daring raid by British commandos using kayaks to attack German ships.
It was actually based upon a real historic event during World War 2, Operation Frankton, when British commandos conducted a daring sabotage attack on German ships in the French port of Bordeaux in December 1942.
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Members of the Royal Marines Boom Patrol Detachment, under Captain Herbert "Blondie" Hasler paddled 70 miles up the Gironde river to carry out the attack.
5 cockle Mark II kayaks, each crewed by 2 commandos, were launched from a British submarine, HMS Tuna (captained by Lieutenant-Commander Dick Raikes) on the night of 7th December 1942.
Only 2 crews reached the destination, where they planted limpet mines on 5 German freight vessels and a German naval patrol boat.
Following the attack they attempted to reach neutral Spain and from there the British colony of Gibraltar.
Only one crew made it - Hasler and Bill Sparks.
Of the rest, 2 died from hypothermia when their kayak capsized and 6 were executed by the Germans, following an order from Hitler.
"The Cockleshell Heroes" released in 1955 is based upon the real events, although with some artistic licence (not least changing all the names).
Chapters:
0:00 The Cockleshell Heroes
1:54 Operation Frankton
2:41 Herbert Hasler
4:08 Italian Human Torpedoes
5:14 The Plan
7:39 HMS Tuna
9:29 The Gironde River
11:55 Discovered
13:28 Final Preparations
14:09 Attack
15:45 Escape & Capture
17:54 French Underground
18:51 Success of Operation
20:36 After the War
22:27 Remembering The Cockleshell Heroes
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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or TH-cam animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
I knew Marine Bill Sparks. He was a regular in one of the pubs in Alfriston, E. Sussex. He stayed out of the local's end (even though he was a local), kept to himself and barely said a word. It was only when the new vicar found out who he was and decided to celebrate it that I discovered who he really was. He was just Bill, polite, quiet, and getting his evening pint. He was mortified. He insisted he was not a hero. The ones who'd died were the heroes. He was merely a survivor. I don't think he went back to the pub after that. I never saw him in there again. I think he was too embarrassed by the fuss made of him.
Great story!
An excellent story,, perhaps you could do a similar story on operation Jaywick,, not unlike in many respects
Two movies Yesterdays Enemy and Merrills Marauders....
He was from a different time were real man didnt bring attention to their actions ?
Why did Bill Sparks have to sell his medals?
I am Chairman of the Bordeaux & SW France Branch of the Royal British Legion and a member of the Frankton Souvenir, a French organisation that maintains the memory of the raid and it's participants. We remember them every December and hold wreath laying ceremonies at various memorials in the area. Believe me, they are not forgotten.............................Oh, and they didn't scuttle the canoes on the South bank of the Gironde, it was the North bank opposite Chateau Segonzac, about 5 kilometres from where I live!
Wonderful to hear that and I salute you for putting yourself forward to be chairman of your British Legion branch.
Thats absolutely wonderful! Nice to know these men didn’t die in vain but volunteered for a highly dangerous mission where the odds were not in their favor!
Why after my People fought and died next to you in Two World Wars . . You betrayed us and attacked us without warning . Killing Millions of your supposed Allies. The first wave killed Ten of Thousands of our CHILDREN !!!
I met Bill in 1975 , his son was my Detachment Sgt/Major onboard HMS DIOMEDE ( Terry Sparks ) he was a delight and could tell great stories about his exploits. I count myself lucky to have met him back in the day…( RIP )
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My Father, a Royal Navy veteran of WW2, made me watch this and other WW2 films as a child. This one always stood out in my memory as it was very much a David Versus Goliath story. Commando comics were a staple of my childhood as well. It is our duty to remember them.
Nic comment. Thanks for posting.
Hi... my dad took me to see this film too... thanks Dad !
The Hill (1965). An underrated, brutal and largely forgotten war film. Great vid by the way.
I had forgotten about The Hill.
Lots of different suggestions coming on, surely some interesting real stories will come from them?
Hamburger Hill, released in 1987, is a realistic story of the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. Someone really learned the lingo of Armyspeak. Huuah, Essayons!
Definitely. A brilliant well made film.
The Hill is a quiet masterpiece.
Excellent movie.
Where Eagles Dare and The Great Escape are two of my favorites.
Thanks for those two nominations.
The Bridge Over The River Quy(sp) was also a great movie.@@TheHistoryChap
Bugger I forgot Where Eagles Dare in my favourites...that was awesome..Burton and Eastwood are you kidding.
Victor, Battle, Commando... They are the comics that spring to mind.
I read Warlord and after a couple of years started getting Battle. I also used to have quite a lot f Commando books - my mate who's a comic dealer and is 63 still comes across ones he remembers from the 60s!
Commando..great little “books”
I used to get warlord too. I seem to remember some sort of club, and a little wallet with my ID in it.
Victor was good, and I can barely remember battle. Those little commando books were good but I think they were about 4p more expensive. To a child, that was a huge amount
I was a Victor and Commando comic reader too and used to get Victor and/or Warlord albums for Christmas.
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Not a film, but for realism, Band of Brothers. For entertainment, Kelly’s Heroes. The Great Escape and The Bridge Over The River Quai deserve special mention. But, there are so many that deserve watching.
I agree that there are so many. Not a great film ,but The Eagle HasLanded is also a good story.
Kelly’s Hero’s…great movie! “Enough of the negative waves!”
@@jon9021 Such a cast. I can’t decide on a favorite.
As a child in the US I discovered the cockleshell kayaks in an Airfix 1/72 British Commando figurine set sometime around 1970. The local Ben Franklin store would order sets for me, and I ordered many. They spurred a wider interest, for me, in British Military history, and many trips to the library in that pre internet time. I still have an Airfix 95th Rifles figurine I painted 35 some years ago. Airfix was my gateway to 54mm figurines.
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Favourite WWII film by a country mile - The Dam Busters 👍
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i well remember Bill Sparks giving us a talk when i attended my Junior Command Course at CTCRM Lympstone in 1981 . His story of unbelievable courage, fortitude and singleminded determination will always stay with me. Told with total modesty to a captivated audience of 50+ NCOs who the following year, would go on to play their part in the recapture of the Falkland Islands. We band of Brothers...Per Mare ,Per Terram.
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James Conway was from my hometown, we have a brilliant bronze statue of him near the town hall in the canoe. I always stop to pay respects when passing, he was a milkman before the war!
Wow, thanks for sharing that story. Amazing to see so many ordinary men who became heroes.
Another Stockport lad eh?
@@michaelkinsey4649 indeed I am for my sins lol.
Tora! Tora! Tora!
One of the most spectacular technical achievements in cinema history ❤
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Was shown on film 4 a couple of days ago, it's one I usually try and watch or record even though I've watched it many times.
Dunkirk the 1958 version is a favourite and carve her name with pride, also operation mincemeat is a recent favourite.
As I said, it is up there as one of my favourite WW2 films but so many to choose from. Trevor Howard was great in it.
Always loved the 1958 version of Dunkirk as it showed the BEF's move up to the front and then the retreat and the chaos around it. The latest version has no character development and just jumps in.
Totally agree amigo i have a copy of Carve her name with Pride but sadly Virginia Mckenna isant in it ? Oh well terrific story of ordinary people fighting Totalitarianism We could do with that spirit right now facing both marxist dogma and fundementalist Theocracy ? Great coverage we should never forget our heros
Favourite WW2 movies; The Hill, The Cruel Sea, Ice Cold in Alex, Cross of Iron, The Heroes of Telemark, Where Eagles Dare, Odette and of course The Great Escape.
Thanks for that little list. Your short list is even longer than mine!
To be fair, this is an almost perfect list though ..
@@OzoneTunaI agree!
The Gift Horse, 1952 starring Trevor Howard is story about a British crew trying to keep a worn down American destroyer afloat from Lend/Lease during WW2. The story eventually culminates in the daring raid on St.Nazaire but it is the compelling and well written story of the Captain and crew that make the film so interesting.
Thanks for your interesting comment.
Ice cold in Alex, Great channel 👍🎲
Great film. Glad you are enjoying my channel too.
Great film which taught me about many things mechanical such as the benefits of using reverse gear!
Superb cast with John Mills, the delightful Sylvia Simms, Harry Andrews and Anthony Qualye.
Brilliant movie!
In “Ice Cold in Alex”, I always remember that heartbreaking scene where - in the sweltering heat - they’ve laboriously cranked the Ambulance all the way up to the top of that sand dune… 😖😮💨🥵 only to have it break loose & roll all the way back down to the bottom again. 😥😩😭
Fascinating story - the bravery of the men despite the dubious value of the mission, is amazing. Nice one Chris, thanks
I agree, both with the bravery and also whether the military value was worth it. My research suggests that 2 of the 3 German ships were salvaged.
My friend and I built a replica canoe plus associated memorabilia to stage a 70th anniversary display at Dunoon Museum.
We also instigated getting a memorial stone placed at Lazaretto Point in their memory. We contacted some of the families who were delighted that there was somewhere to come more locally.
Mrs Hasler sent us her best wishes and thanked us for our efforts.
Our canoe was also used as a backdrop by Paddy Ashdown who did a talk at Pitlochry Theatre about the book he had published on the subject,…..the inscription on the memorial reads……We shall meet on that beautiful shore……..
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One thing to remember about an attack like this is that even though it didn't do that much damage it did show that the Germans were vulnerable in places they thought safe, and a consequence of this would be an increase in security, taking away manpower and resources that could've been used elsewhere but were now just stood around guarding. Every man and gun added to places like that is one fewer on the front lines or in Normandy.
You make a good point. 🤔
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My great uncle was a Royal Marine before,during and after ww2, he was the last sergeant to escape from the 1st battle at Narvic. He helped to train the guys who become known as the cockleshell heroes, he later went into the d-day beaches to get sand samples, so the allies could work out which beaches could take the weight of landing ships and tanks.
Fascinating… 🤔 Thanks for sharing that. 👍
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"Where Eagles Dare" has to be my fav ww2 movie. Not really a true story but with Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood and that rousing musical score...it makes you proud to be British 🫡🇬🇧
“Broadsword calling Danny boy”…
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My favourite war film is 'Where Eagles Dare.' I've probably watched it 100s of times over the years but never get sick of it - esp. the road chase towards the end.
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sadly i may have watched it over 100
@@brentinnes5151 nothing sad about that! I admire your good taste. It's obvs not historically factual but it is historically plausible.
Not forgetting the superb score that accompanies the film by the brilliant Ron Goodwin. Other scores to his name include Battle of Britain, 633 squadron, The Trap (music for the London Marathon) and many more
Anything staring Christopher Lee is fantastic..
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My favorite is “The Cross of Iron” about the eastern front from the POV of a German infantry platoon led by James Coburn. Also stars Maximillian Schell, James Mason and David Warner. Directed by Sam Peckinpaugh. Very realistic using authentic equipment. The Yugoslav army played the Soviets. Both action packed and philosophical story.
I'll second that, great film!
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Comics? Beano, Dandy, Beezer, Topper, The Rocket (for the few issues it was in print), then the smaller 'Commando' war-related ones. Great channel, Chris. I love it.
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Albert RN,Colditz story and series,In which we serve a very moving film some of my favourites
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Having grown up with Navy, army and airforce (and was R.E.) my favourite films from the classic WWII era are both naval. BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE and Sink the Bismarck. As an aside I've spent years trying to find the book HMS Kelly that my grandad leant me as a kid. Finally I have a copy 😊..
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As a young lad I loved the film Battle of Britain.The Spitfire,a majestic aircraft.The music score very fitting adding to the film.
A pivotal moment in British history.
A most excellent video. I especially appreciate how you cover the post war careers of those that survived. Most history books, articles and videos neglect to cover that.
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My favorite is "A Bridge Too Far" I was a serving Para when the movie was produced. My favorite British military movie; however, is "Tunes of Glory" I read the Victor as a kid.
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Not 1 Para then? My bro jumped in the movie, he was 1 Para.
Mine is - The Cruel Sea, closely followed by The Battle of the River Plate.
“The Cruel Sea”…excellent movie. Probably one of the first “realistic” war movies.
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Cruel Sea every time, I'm nearly word perfect. The book is good too, worth reading.
Great, realistic film. I recall a profound moment in the film where the Captain of the Destroyer tells the No1 he was a solicitor before the war. People in extraordinary times do extraordinary things.
The Longest Day is my favourite WW2 film. I absolutely loved it as a kid.
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Theirs Is the Glory (also known as Men of Arnhem), is a 1946 British war film about the British 1st Airborne Division's involvement in the Battle of Arnhem (17 to 25 September 1944) during Operation Market Garden in the Second World War. It has to be one of the best WW2 films ever made. Using the original locations of the battle, the film featured veterans who were actual participants in the battle. Doesn’t get any better than that…
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Well these are miniseries made in Australia about the two attacks on Singapore by Australian and British commandoes. They are called The Heroes and Heroes 2: the return. Epic stories and a great watch.
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Pretty much every great WWII film has already been listed .. but I can’t see “The Train” mentioned yet….
Burt Lancaster and Paul Scofield battling through the French countryside :-)
I’d forgotten about that movie…excellent.
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I read about the Cockleshell Heroes in a condensed Readers Digest book. It was an excellent read for a young lad in the 60's. I didn't have any magazines in Canada like you did, but I read every book I could find about history, in particular, Canadian, British, Commonwealth and yes, even American (we all know that they won all the wars in spite of the rest of us, lol).
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I intend buying the dvd now. As a young bloke I saw the movie, but remember the end vividly when Ferre walked towrd the camera and in the background, the ghosts of his missing team mates marched to the 'life on the Ocean Wave' behind him...
Thanks again for the history Chris.
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Bridge on the River Kwai is my favourite War 2 movie.
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I am continuously amazed by the stories of outstanding bravery of so many British men and women, and those of the Allies, during the many wars fought to protect Britain. I watched this film when it was broadcast on the T.V. when I was young. I remember, even today, how much it upset me that so many of the crews perished. Thank you for telling the real story of the Cockleshell Heroes. As you say it was even more daring than the film. I was grateful to read in the comments that the Bordeaux & SW France Branch of the Royal British Legion and a Member of the Frankton Souvenir still honours their memory every December. I watched your video, another fine one, on the Mark from the States Channel and just wanted to visit your site to say 'thank you'.
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Great video.
Thank you.
Great work
Cheers
Glad you enjoyed
One of your best. Great story, brilliantly told. Yes to Christopher Lee if you can squeeze it in.
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12 O’clock High. Wonderful film.
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Enjoyed your video. My favourite WW2 films are The Dam Busters, The Cruel Sea, Ice Cold in Alex The Great Escape and A Bridge too Far (fabulous theme music!). Appreciate the effort you go to in making these brilliant interesting vids. Cheers Brian.
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Thanks Chris
My pleasure.
Thank you for this!
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Superb Chris. Thank you and yes, I did read Boys’ Own!
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I had the topper, and the Victor when I was a little older, brilliant!!
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My favourite Second World War film? "The Way Ahead." As a former soldier this file m really resonates but I doubt if you could do anything with it, Chris.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not sure that I could find anything but it might be worth a little bit of my time researching.
Fabulous film, only came across it here on YT about six months ago but I've watched it three times since. The ending is just sublime with them striding into the smoke to engage the enemy, not knowing who lives and who dies but all doing their duty.
@@tonypetts6663 Yes, it's got me hooked in that way and I watch it several times each year. The training and the way that the section pulls together really strikes a chord... My own service actually coincided with some of the last second world war veterans in the British Army in the early 1970's so the film always reminds me of former comrades who contributed to my own army training.
Watched this yesterday great film
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Thanks!
Thank you for your support Harry.
Please do 'Carve Her Name With Pride'
I have the original book. also The Password is Courage (from my nan)
Thanks for your reply which I will add to my ever growing list
Loved it as always
Glad you enjoyed it
Chris I always enjoy how you find these unique stories of British history and pay homage to them. Well done amigo y vaya con Dios.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks, as ever, for your support.
Hope you can join me for my Friday live, tomorrow at 1pm (UK)
On a selfish front (because my Dad was there in the REs), I'd love you to do a video on the defence of Calais and minor evacuation in 1940. The efforts of this force are often overshadowed by the evacuation from Dunkirk, but without the garrison of Calais tying up so many German reserves, Dunkirk may have been a completely different story. By the way, my Dad was one of the few lucky ones who were evacuated from the port. Thank you.
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Enjoyed your video lecture immensely. I remember the film quite well. I was 11 at the time, it made an impression. And of course the real story behind the film is fascinating as it is herouic . Thank you Sir and I eagerly await your your next video lecture.
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Hi Chris, thank you for another great video. Born in 1954, I never read the 'Boys' Own' paper, but I used to read the 'Victor' and 'Valiant' pictorial papers, which also had some great war stories. I think they may have inspired me to join the TA in later years, becoming commissioned in 1978. I also started reading the 'Rover' and 'Wizard' shortly before they merged. There are so many WW2 films to choose from, but I think my favourite is 'A Bridge Too Far'.
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Jose Ferrer: "Fur air" would be the correct pronunciation. A really under rated actor, also his son Mel is very good. Good vid!
Thanks for watching.
Very true!
Not in Spanish, it wouldn't. Not even in Puerto Rico.
@@sirbarringtonwomblembe4098 What ever, it's how the man himself and his son pronounced it.
@@tullyontherocksFair enough,👍
Nice suprise video this morning, and on an interesting subject too.
Did you know that King & Country Toy Soldiers once produced a line commemorating The Cockleshell Heros?Movies: A Bridge Too Far, Monuments Men, The Dam Busters, Empire Of The Sun,Battle Of Britain........just started watching Rogue Heros.....the jury is out on that one for the moment.
I used to read The Beano & Dandy, and have a few issues produced during WW2....
at a young age I read Sink The Bismarck....but have still not seen the film.
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Hi Chris , thanks again for a stirring reminder of those who were prepared to sacrifice their own safety for their countrymen.
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The dambusters and the opening 20mins of saving private ryan before its gets ridiculous
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In memory of the two survivors, the Hassler Trophy for kayak marathon racing has been competed for each year in the UK since 1957. The Bill Sparks trophy was later introduced in 2003 for the highest placed veteran K2 (two-man kayak) racers in that same competition.
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Excellent account once again Chris !
633 squadron & the longest day for me !
I read the Victor, Battle and occasionally the Commando short stories.
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Hell Boats. Loved this one as a kid. Didn't know much about Malta and the small boats.
Thanks for that suggestion.
My favorite WWII movie? Definitely Kelly's Heroes.
Great movie
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A great movie, in my humble opinion, now that you documented the real history, it is even better, thanks for sharing.
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cracking yarn thank you to an event I was unaware of. cheers
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You really do put history across very well indeed 👏 👌
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No but seriously I think Battle of Britain to be one of the greatest War Films . Great acting and very correct historically.
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The Dam Busters is my favorite WW2 film. The theme music alone! Growing up in London during the Fifties, my brother, David, and I never missed a copy of Lion. Following the adventures of Paddy Payne, Warrior of the Skies, or Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future, kept us hooked for years! Cheers!
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I think Where Eagles Dare is the best action war movie ever made. Thanks for the video. It was fascinating.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Might you be interested in reviewing the film "Went The Day Well?" (1942) someday? Would be interested in hearing your thoughts and impressions on this war-era film.
That's a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion and watch this space!
Haven’t seen that in years. Very “The Eagle has Landed”..
My favorite Second World War film is a naval one, Away All Boats, about a transport/landing ship in the Pacific theater... The captain ranks a cruiser or battleship, but commands a transport/landing ship... A true gem everyone should watch involving the navy... I even rank this one above my second favorite film, The Enemy Below...
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My father was with Australian Intelligence during WW2 and Cockleshell canoes were used by the Southern Command to intercept German U-Boats landing spy’s in Bass Strait in Victoria Australia. They had to hike the canoes into remote areas of the Gippsland hence the reason for Cockleshell’s. His Service Record is sealed and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra accused him of “false valour” but his war memorial site states otherwise. This is my reason for bringing this fact up.
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The Silent Enemy with Laurence Harvey is my favourite war film.
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Hard to name WWII favorite films, I probably have 25 or 30 in my top 5 favorites LOL. The 3 you mentioned to be sure, 12 O'clock high, The Great Escape, Where Eagles Dare, etc.
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Being just a few years too young for the boys own magazines I grew up reading the Victor and the Hotspur comics. A favourite war film of mine is also based on a true story ‘The gift horse’ which also starred Trevor Howard.
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As a Canadian I like your true historical content
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Like you I have many favorites, among them is the Cockleshell heroes, and Attack Force Z, Victory, and 12 O'Clock High.
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Hi Chris
Great movie which is one of my many favourites.
Very interesting story once again.
I would love to see a story on ‘the Devil’s brigade’ which is another great classic movie with an intriguing and somewhat obscure story about the 1st special service force, which was a joint effort of American-Canadian Commandos that later became the 1st Airborne Task Force.
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Such a wonderful true story of bravery, determination and the best spirit of man. Bless these heroic men and may they rest in perfect peace ❤️❤️ A complete audit of records regarding to these and many more heroes should be conducted to bring their stories to the forefront and not get lost in history 👍👍
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The 25th hour with Anthony Quinn is worth a watch
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Thanks for the thoughtful analysis -- an entertaining film that, as you so rightly said, keeps their memory alive. The combined Services Museum in Maldon is well worth visiting if you get the chance -- they cram a lot in!
My cousine lives in South Woodham Ferrers so I should "kill two birds with one stone". Make sure you tick like on the video too (as some naughty person has given me a thumbs down!)
@@TheHistoryChap Probably a German, Chris… 😉😂
For a great action ww2 movie my personal favourite is Kelly’s heros
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Great vid Mr H.C. . Bill Sparks is also honoured with a Xylophone based 'feature' called simply 'Sparks' originally by Soloist Lance Cpl.L.Witcher of HM Band of Royal Marines , jaunty number that inspires endeavour and good humour , essential elements of a 'Royal ! .
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Ah, my favourite WW2 films are 'Sink the Bismarck' and 'The Cruel Sea'. Thanks for doing this film, I knew nothing really about this raid, and it does explain why, as a child, I had canvas canoes in my Airfix box of Commandoes!
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Thank you for telling their story so we can learn more about the heroic acts of Britain's military.
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Hi Chris, Very well told story, very much enjoyed it. The Cockleshell heores are commemorated in the names of some of the streets in Portsmouth too.
Films: I particularly liked Ice Cold in Alex and the Dambusters. I dont think I've seen the film The Man Who Never Was but I have read the book about Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre. Also worth reading After the Flood by John Nichol which tells the stories about what 617 squadron did after the Dambusters raid.
Comics: Well until recently I had a couple of old Victors stored away but they were on there last legs and made me sneeze, some great stories in them though.
Have a great weekend. All the best
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Yes it's animated but Grave of the fireflies is a movie everybody should watch. Such a heartbreaking movie.
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Massive respect chris for the time and effort and research you have to put in for all the work you do. Its a shame i think i may be wrong ? That all our ancestors who fought all the different theatres of war .And most us will go to the grave never knowing the history of your family
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I read Look and Learn, as well as Victor and Warlord.
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Very Important Person - staring James Robertson Justice along with many others. I'm must admit some very slight doubts as to its historical accuracy - but its still wonderful.
Thanks for giving this film a shout-out.
Top film.
I had not known Lee and Broccoli did two movies together, how mighty nice! I would have to say my favorite World War 2 movie is Saving Private Ryan. I also didn't know Clooney's uncle was in The Cockleshell Heroes. A very sad story, but well done.
I’m glad I was able to shed a light on a few little historical facts that you didn’t know.
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More story suggestions: [1] Sir John Monash leads WW1 Australians in the first exemplar of a combined arms attack; Charles Chauvel orders the Australian Light Horse to capture Beersheba in a do-or-die dusk bid to capture its wells; [3] The Owen Gun -- Australia's homemade SMG; [4] Field Marshal William Slim and the "forgotten 14th"; the mini-sub attack on Sydney Harbour [and the wreck of the 3rd sub only recently found]; the Japanese raid on Ceylon and Trincomalee in 1942.
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a Bridge too Far and the Great Escape are 2 of my favourites. Read Commando after my uncle had finished them in the 60s and 70s ( early recycling 😀)
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The three films you mentioned are, of course, outstanding films. The only other film that should rank alongside these is the Attack on the iron coast. The St Nazaire Normandy Dock.
For those that don't know about it I strongly suggest Jeremy Clarkson's War Stories, The Greatest Raid.
A superb documentary and well worth a look.
As always Chris, a fine and informative video.
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That mini submarine looks like the one in Taormina in Sicily (saw it on holiday there last year!)
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My favourite film is The Battle of Britain. My mum took me down to London when I was 11 to see it and now I have seen it so many times , I can quote the entire dialogue. I always bought Victor comic, which I loved.
Thanks for sharing your family story.
Definitely do the war record of Sir Christopher!!! It is indeed fascinating.
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I would love to see a video made about Egbert Cadbury.
The heir to the Quaker family Cadbury business who shot down 2 Zeppelin airships in WW1.
By complete coincidence he had lodgings in Great Yarmouth at the time just a few streets away from Britain's first ever air raid.
There's a blue plaque on each of those building walls marking the historical significance of these events.
He went on to run the family business, became a director of Lloyds bank, honorary air commodore, justice of the peace, received a knighthood to name just a few of his later achievements.
Would make a fascinating story to tell.
Best wishes.
Keep the videos coming...
Think you have mentioned this before. It is on my ever increasing list.