The Cockleshell Heroes

Major Stringer proposes using collapsible Cockle Mk II canoes to reach the harbour undetected and plant limpet mines on ships. He argues that a daring, initiative-driven commando raid could change the war's balance. The plan hinges on speed, surprise, and untested leadership.

Stringer's enthusiasm clashes with Thompson's by-the-book approach. The two officers embody a broader clash between new, daring methods and traditional maritime detachment. Their tension threatens the viability of the operation.

Sergeant Craig takes charge of turning volunteers into a cohesive unit. He imposes discipline and drills the men into a workable fighting force. The training is demanding and pushes the men to their limits.

A dry-run reveals weaknesses in planning and leadership as the team stumbles under pressure. Stringer is forced to confront the consequences of his inexperience. The failure foreshadows the real dangers of the operation.

Stringer acknowledges the missteps and turns to Thompson for guidance and leadership. He recognizes he cannot lead without the veteran's authority. A fragile alliance begins to form between the two officers.

Thompson takes command and begins drilling the men into a more disciplined force. He emphasizes discipline, timing, and the will to carry the heavy burden of a dangerous raid. The unit starts to feel like a real crew rather than a loose collection of volunteers.

Ruddock disappears from the camp amid marital problems, adding pressure to an already tight schedule. His absence unsettles the unit and strains morale. The raid now faces the risk of operating with fewer men.

Thompson reaches Ruddock's wife and discovers she is with her civilian lover. He leaves after being insulted, showing the mounting personal tensions surrounding the raid. The domestic drama underscores how personal lives intrude into wartime planning.

Thompson goes to the local pub and encounters the missing Marine. He stages a rough, pragmatic intervention that includes letting Ruddock settle a score with his wife's lover before driving him back to camp. The episode highlights the moral complexity of wartime leadership.

The mission goes to sea as HMS Tuna, commanded by Lt. Commander Alan Greaves, approaches off the Gironde estuary. The submarine delivers the canoeists into position and then submerges to wait for the operation to unfold. The raid hinges on perfect timing and stealth.

A depth charge from a passing German patrol boat knocks out Ruddock's partner. Thompson, not officially assigned to go on the raid, volunteers to take his place and lead the remaining volunteers. This act demonstrates his willingness to adapt for the mission.

The raiders paddle 70 miles upriver under brutal December weather, moving by night and hiding by day. Only four of the original eight reach the target and begin their attack on the ships. The voyage tests endurance and seamanship to the limit.

At the docks, the surviving raiders plant the limpet mines and begin their withdrawal. During the retreat, Thompson and Ruddock are captured while the other two raiders are killed en route. The raid proves costly despite initial success.

Thompson and the other captives refuse to divulge the mission and are executed by firing squad just as the mines explode. Stringer and Clarke reach safety and walk away, accompanied by apparitions of Thompson and those lost. The raid ends as a haunting blend of victory and sacrifice.