In December 1942, a group of commandos set out on an audacious raid — from which most would not return. Duncan Craig retraces their route along the Frankton Trail
Wreathed in the gloom of a December evening, the submarine rose from the inky depths a short distance offshore and began to silently disgorge its cargo. Five two-person canoes were lifted through the forward hatch and lowered into the water. Taking their places in the craft were 10 young men, their faces blacked out and bodies insulated by camouflaged rubber suits.
The commandos placed limpet mines on six enemy ships then fled, riding an ebbing tide and shortlived wave of elation. Splitting up to reduce the chance of detection, the two crews came ashore within 400 metres of one another near Blaye, on the northern bank. I arrived in the town early morning. The pretty, plane-tree-shaded main street was deserted, its caramel-hued stone buildings inscrutable behind closed shutters. Beyond, low-set and imposing, was the town’s sprawling 17th-century citadel.
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