Skip to main content
Haslar-&-Stewart

Operation Frankton: The story of the Cockleshell Heroes

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Frankton, a raid undertaken by the Royal Marine Commandos under cover of darkness in Bordeaux Harbour. The role of the Royal Marines in the story of the Royal Navy is one that often comes into sharp focus.

To commemorate this date the National Museum of the Royal Navy has two exciting events for visitors. If you’re not familiar with Operation Frankton, learn the history of this fascinating event before attending one of our events? 

On 8 December, join our friends at the No.6 Cinema, housed within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, for a very special showing of The Cockleshell Heroes, which dramatises this heroic story. One of our curators, Will Heppa, will also be introducing the film. This event in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council, tickets can be purchased from the No.6 Cinema.

On 11 December, there’s a very special tour of Storehouse 12, our state-of-the-art collections centre. Central to this tour are some of the objects from the operation belonging to Herbert “Blondie” Hasler the head of the operation, including his goggles. This event is free to all, but booking is essential.