A crucial part of the operation’s success was that the commandos had the Kriegsmarine’s up-to-date code books. As they sailed up the Loire Estuary, German forces would signal or fire warning shots, but were silenced when the destroyer responded with the correct codes. This bought the team valuable time and helped preserve the element of surprise a little longer. #warstories #ww2history #fblifestyle | War History Online

165K views · 2.1K reactions | "These canoes were the answer to the need for reconnaisance and survey of beaches ahead of a dangerous landing..." Jack Ruffhead of the Royal Navy Beach Commandos reenactor group explains how canoes were used by the Combined Operation Pilotage Parties (COPP) during the Second World War. This video was filmed at the Chalke Valley History Festival | History Hit | Facebook