Mar 2018
Operation Frankton: In December 1942 one of the most daring raids of WW2 was staged. Six collapsible canoes each carrying 2 men from the Royal Marines Boom Patrol launched from HMS Tuna and paddled toward the Grande Estuary up to the Port of Bordeaux. In the heart of enemy territory, they planted limpet mines on the hulls of supply and cargo ships, to then make their escape over land to Spain. Only two men survived the mission. Although the material impact was slight this was one of the most courageous and Imaginative missions, the psychological impact of which was great and formed part of the beginnings of the Special Boat Service (SBS).
To mark the 75th Anniversary, the Special Boat Service Association (SBSA),the Regimental Association of the Service, retraced the paddle strokes of the original operation. Chris Malam, Operations Director at Colt International, along with other members of the SBSA paddled the 85 miles up the Grande River, into the Port of Bordeaux, self-supported for 5 days using modern day military canoes, to raise funds for the Association. Chris has seen firsthand what this amazing organisation does to help members of the SBS and their dependants, which includes anything and everything from physiotherapy, rehabilitation or counseling to 24 hour specialist care. The crucial funds raised by all the generous donors will also be used to support the grieving families of the brave men and women who have served in the SBS. Chris was incredibly excited to announce that this event raised a whooping £31,000.00 for the SBSA.
Colt International were proud to support this event, with Managing Director Nick Buckingham saying, “It really is impressive to see what the participants of this event have achieved. Travelling 85 miles by canoe is no small feat and, for that, I congratulate all those who took part. I know how passionate Chris is about this cause and I’m proud to see that he brings this same commitment, determination and professionalism, as the Operations Director at Colt. We are looking forward to seeing all the amazing things our donation has helped to achieve for those in the SBSA community.”
