Mersey memorial plans for World War II ‘Cockleshell heroes’

Nov 16 2012 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

Mersey memorial plans for ‘Cockleshell heroes’

A MEMORIAL to a group of soldiers is being prepared ahead of the 70th anniversary of their daring World War II mission.

The raid on German ships in a French harbour by the “Cockleshell Heroes” shortened the war by six months, according to Winston Churchill.

Now a plinth with a plaque outlining their exploits – including Albert Laver, from Birkenhead – could soon be placed on the promenade at Woodside, in Wirral.

The council is seeking planning permission for a memorial plaque and plinth to the heroic mission, officially known as Operation Frankton, as the 70th anniversary of the raid nears.

It is hoped, if planning approval is given, the memorial could be in place by the end of the year.

A spokesman for Wirral Council said Lord Ashdown, a former Special Forces Commando, had written to the mayor asking if it “would be appropriate for Birkenhead to honour this extraordinary citizen on or near to the 70th anniversary of the raid”.

The spokesman added: “The Mayor indicated that he had discussed this with the Leader and had agreed to the request.