Blockade runner
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A blockade runner is a merchant vessel used for evading a naval blockade of a port or strait. It is usually light and fast, using stealth and speed rather than confronting the blockaders in order to b
American Civil War blockade runner USS Banshee, 1863
A Confederate blockade runner at anchor at St. George's, Bermuda
German Blockade Runner Badge
Operation Frankton
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Operation Frankton was a commando raid on ships in the German occupied French port of Bordeaux in southwest France during World War II. The raid was carried out by a small unit of Royal Marines known
Blockade runner
…increased with the entry of Japan into the war in December 1941. Allied attempts to disrupt these operations initially had only a limited effect; as in Operation Frankton. From 1943 improved Allied air superiority over the Bay of Biscay rendered blockade running by surface ships effectively impossible. By some counts…
Tannenfels, a German blockade runner which was sunk in Bordeaux harbour by limpet mines from the Frankton team
"Cockles" MK II
Monument commemorating Operation Frankton in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, near Royan.
Operation Frankton was described by Louis Mountbatten as "This brilliant little operation carried through with great determinism and courage..."