A GROUP of ex-servicemen are to commemorate the 80th anniversary of a daring World War II mission, by retracing the route of the marines, dubbed the Cockleshell Heroes.

Operation Frankton involved 10 men taking part in a commando raid using kayaks to attack enemy ships in German-occupied France in December 1942.

Between them, they managed to damage six vessels in the port of Bordeaux – leading to wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchhill claiming the mission shortened the war by six months.

Only two of the ten men returned, with Halifax marine David Moffatt one of eight who died during Operation Frankton.

Now Kris Whitworth, a firefighter and former Royal Marine Commando himself, along with nine others are to retrace the route, kayaking up the Gironde estuary at night, and then walking the same path the two survivors used to escape.

Based at Illingworth fire station, Kris said he had been encouraged to take part by another former Royal Marine Commando, Jason Garland, from Northowram, who is a kayak leader on the expedition.

In addition, he said that Chris Conley of the RAF, from Keighley, and Matt Sharp, former Royal Marine Commando, whose father was from Bradford, are among those taking part.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Kris, 50, from Boothtown, told the Telegraph & Argus that as a marine he had studied Operation Frankton before and was aware of its significance, but thought it was important that the younger generation were aware of it too.

He said the group will be using similar collapsible kayaks to the Cockleshell Heroes themselves and have been training together in locations such as Exmouth and Anglesey to recreate the similar conditions they will experience in France.

He said: “The reason why I’ve got involved in this is because during training in the marines I nearly died in a canoe, I nearly drowned. Since then, I’ve always been nervous about going in one again, so I want to overcome those nerves.”

They will be paddling overnight for five nights, as the Cockleshell Heroes would have done before them.

Then they will follow a 100-mile extraction route from Blaye to Ruffec on foot over six days.

In between, the Cockleshell 22 team and their support team will be able to attend commemorations in Bordeaux.

Kris said he has also been calling for a plaque or statue in Marine Moffatt’s memory in Halifax to ensure his efforts can be better remembered.

A Calderdale Council committee has begun discussing appropriate ways to offer recognition.

To follow the Cockleshell 22 anniversary expedition, which takes place December 2 to 18, visit facebook.com/Cockleshell22.

The team are also fundraising for the Royal British Legion, the Royal Marines Charity and Help for Heroes. To donate visit justgiving.com/team/Cockleshell-22-Team.

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