David Moffat - Cockleshell Hero
A Halifax Hero's Ultimate Sacrifice:
Remembering Marine David Moffatt of the Cockleshell Heroes
In December 1942, a young man from Halifax took part in one of World War II's most daring commando operations - a mission that would later become legendary. Marine David Moffatt, who grew up in our town and was an active member of the local scout movement, demonstrated extraordinary courage as part of an elite team of Royal Marine Commandos.
Operation Frankton, as it was officially known, saw ten brave servicemen undertake a perilous mission to strike at the heart of German-occupied France. Using specially designed kayaks nicknamed 'Cockleshells,' these commandos aimed to attack enemy shipping in Bordeaux harbor.
Tragically, Marine Moffatt and his paddling partner Corporal George Sheard lost their lives when their kayak capsized in the treacherous waters of the Gironde estuary. Their sacrifice, along with six other commandos who didn't return, contributed to a mission that successfully damaged six enemy vessels and demonstrated the extraordinary lengths Allied forces would go to strike at the heart of occupied Europe.
The legacy of these brave men lives on. In 1955, their story was immortalized in the film 'Cockleshell Heroes,' starring Trevor Howard, Anthony Newley, and Christopher Lee. More recently, in December 2022, marking the 80th anniversary of the operation, a team of ex-servicemen including former Royal Marine Commando Kris retraced the challenging route taken by these heroes, paddling the same waters and walking the escape route to Spain.
Marine David Moffatt's story serves as a powerful reminder of Halifax's contribution to the war effort and the extraordinary courage of ordinary young men who, when called upon, performed extraordinary deeds in service of their country."
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