Meet Our Own "Cockleshell Hero"
Who was the LTPB employee that took part in one of the most daring World War II raids? Why did Hollywood come knocking at his door?
Image of Bill Sparkes with Prince Philip (1955-01)TfL Corporate Archives
The last survivor of Operation Frankton
William Edward "Bill" Sparks (1922 – 2002), whilst not a member of staff at the time of his war exploits, later worked for the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) and found his wartime adventure immortalised in film!
Article about Cockleshell hero Bill Sparkes (1964-12)TfL Corporate Archives
On 7th December 1942, Bill and 9 other Royal Marines set out in 5 canoes down the River Gironde in France on a mission to blow up 7 German ships in Bordeaux harbour. They were dubbed the “cockleshell heroes” because of the Cockle Mark II canoes used in the raid
The team were tasked with travelling 60 miles up the river in order to attach limpet mines to enemy ships - travelling only at night to avoid being seen and evade capture
8 members of the crew were killed or captured during the operation but it was still deemed a success and Winston Churchill claimed the operation shortened the war by 6 months
Bill was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his heroic actions
A film called The Cockleshell Heroes was released in 1955, with Sparkes and Major Hasler, the only other survivor, acting as technical advisors.
“Cockleshell Heroes” (1955) directed by Jose Ferrer
Clip depicts the crew being briefed on their mission. The organisation's employee Corporal Bill Sparkes was one of only 2 survivors along with Major Herbert ‘Blondie’ Hasler from Operation Frankton (3mins 40s)
"None of the men were expected to survive the mission"
Clip from a Royal Marines documentary (circa 1992) featuring Bill Sparkes who gives a first hand account describing his exploits as a "Cockleshell hero" during World War Two (23mins 20s)
"Cockleshell Hero" Bill Sparkes
Bill standing in his boat Catfish in 1972, which he named after the Cockle Mark II canoe of the same name that he operated along with Major Herbert "Blondie" Hasler during Operation Frankton
Article about the retirement of Bill Sparkes (1942-12)TfL Corporate Archives
Bill retires in 1986
An employee of the organisation for 25 years, Sparkes held several roles including bus driver, bus inspector in the east division, and garage inspector at both Barking and Hornchurch
See our other stories for more information on The London Passenger Transport Board Staff Overseas in WWII
Story compiled by TfL using information in records at the Transport for London Corporate Archives. The Corporate Archives seeks to preserve and make accessible records, not to interpret them. A wider range of material is available for physical consultation.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only.
This story has been enhanced using material from the collections of the Royal Marines. All enquiries regarding these images should be made directly to that institution.
