Rare Cockleshell Heroes Raid Items Go On Show
Rare items from the ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ commando raid in World War 2 are to go on show this week to mark its 80th anniversary.
Items donated by the family that were once used by Capt ‘Blondie’ Hasler form the heart of the display.
Goggles worn by Blondie Hasler from the ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ raid in World War 2.
This very special event at The National Royal Navy Museum in Portsmouth also includes showing of the feature film about the raid.
Called Operation Frankton. It took place on the West Coast of France from 7th to the 12th December 1942. So now 80 years ago.
No One Remembers Cockleshell Heroes Raid Items Going On Show
According to the museum no one remembers when the items had been on show before!
Back in 1942 a team of Royal Marines paddled 70 miles up the River Gironde during the hours of darkness. In all it took some 5 days to reach Bordeaux. Once there in the heart of the port they laid explosive charges on enemy shipping.
A super strong magnet ‘hold fast’ to allow the raiders to secure their canoe alongside the ship.
The raid was led by Herbert ‘Blondie’ Hasler DSO, OBE. Who with his canoe companion Bill Sparks were the only two of the ten men to return to England after the raid. Others were lost at sea or were captured and then shot by orders from Hitler.
News of the raid struck a significant blow to German shipping in France. It also showed that no German port or installation was safe from enemy attack.
Boosting the morale of the British at a time. When the allies had not really got an upper hand in the conflict.
Civilian boots worn by Blondie Hasler given to him by a French farmer to aid his escape.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is hosting events allowing visitors to get closer to this true and heroic story.
Operation Frankton Helped To Turn The Tide
A visit to a giant museum store called ‘Storehouse 12’ will form part of the experience. Called Operation Frankton Behind the Scenes.
Join the No. 6 Cinema, Thursday 8th December, 7pm.within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, for a special showing of The Cockleshell Heroes. Part of a collaboration with Portsmouth City Council.
Rare items from the historic ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ raid in World War 2.
This film dramatises the events of Operation Frankton, and will be introduced by Will Heppa, curator at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
This event is ticketed separately to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. To book tickets please visit: http://bit.ly/3gluuOa
Storehouse 12, Operation Franklin Behind the Scenes Tour, Sunday 11th December, 1pm, 1:45pm and 2:30pm.
HMS Victory is included in ticket packages.
A tour of Storehouse 12, the National Museum of the Royal Navy’s new collections centre, offers visitors a chance to get close to the true Cockleshell Heroes.
See Raid Items And Much More on Tour
This tour will have special focus on some of the objects from the raid belonging to the head of the operation, Herbert “Blondie” Hasler.
HMS Warrior can be visited with an Explorer ticket.
The tour is completely free but must be booked in advance at: http://bit.ly/3gluuOa
Although these special events are free there is so much to see in other area parts of the museum complex around National Museum of the Royal Navy. Plus the historic ships and other exhibitions within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
An Ultimate Explorer ticket starts from £39 per adult and £29 per child and will give access for multiple entries during a year. Other family tickets available.
Book online at: https://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/tickets-and-offers
