The brave exploits of a Canvey man who took part in a daring Second World War raid on German ships at Bordeaux in France were being commemorated today - 60 years on.
Bill Sparks was among a group of ten Royal Marines who set out in canoes on December 7, 1942, from the submarine HMS Tuna to blow up German supply ships with limpet mines.
The soldiers planned to escape overland with the help of the French Resistance.
Although just two men survived, one of whom was Bill, Operation Frankton succeeded in destroying five ships which were vital in supplying raw materials such as rubber, oil and tungsten to Hitler's war effort.
A plaque outside the Royal Marines Museum, at Eastney Barracks near Portsmouth, highlights the former Canvey soldier's exploits.
Bill was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his outstanding effort. He was the last surviving Cockleshell hero and died on November 30 this year.
Today a commemorative ceremony was being held at Chateaux Magnol near Blanquefort in front of a bullet-scarred wall where two of the marines, who were caught, were executed by a German firing squad on December 12, 1942.
This afternoon, the Duke of Kent was unveiling a memorial to the Cockleshell heroes on the quayside at Bordeux.
Published Thursday, December 12, 2002
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