“THE most courageous and imaginative of all the raids ever carried out by the men of Combined Operations,” was how Admiral Louis Mountbatten described their actions.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill said their daring mission shortened the duration of the Second World War by six months.

But there is no permanent memorial to the ten men of Operation Frankton, known as the Cockleshell Heroes, eight of whom were never to return from the mission.

Now a memorial is set to be unveiled and an artist from Redlynch will have his work featured as a permanent part of that monument.

John Lawrence, 79, will see his painting, The Launch of the Cockleshell Heroes from HMS/M Tuna, reproduced as a bronze relief casting on the memorial, which is to be unveiled at Pointe de Grave in France in March.

Operation Frankton launched ten Royal Marines from a submarine in five tiny ‘cockle’ canoes to attach limpet mines on shipping in Bordeaux Harbour in 1942.

The mission was a success, but two of the men drowned and six were captured and executed by the Germans.

Fundraising for the memorial, spearheaded by former Royal Marine Malcolm Cavan, has so far raised £70,000 with another £20,000 still needed.

Limited edition signed prints of Mr Lawrence’s painting are soon to go on sale, with proceeds going towards the fund.

People can also donate to the appeal by cheque or postal order payable to RMA Frankton, with the name and address of the donor to: The Royal Marines Association Central Office, Building 32, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8ER.

For more information visit www.royalmarinesassociation.org.uk/opfranktonappeal.asp.