As it says on the jacket: ONE OF THE GREAT TRUE STORIES OF WORLD WAR II. Code-name Operation Frankton: The breathtaking story of a Royal Navy 'special operations' Royal Marines raid on enemy shipping in the Atlantic port of Bordeaux, France. Submarines delivered 12 men and their 2-man specially adapted kayaks known as 'cockles' plus limpet mines almost to the mouth of the River Gironde from where, rowing only at night, with all the navigation and logistic complications that entailed, the Marines went all the way into the port. The narrative is technical and also emotional, stressing as it does the arduousness and courage of those who took part. It was a success, but the casualties were high. Well worth reading. ( )