As special operations go, this was arguably one of the most important of World War 2. Without it, the fate of the Allies could have been quite different.

Dr. R.V. Jones became convinced in 1941 that the Germans had developed their own radar system, and that the use of it accounted for the increasing casualties among the R.A.F bomber raids. Dr Jones carried out extensive research and tried several times - without success - to get the Allied powers to accept his findings. However, he eventually found conclusive proof that the enemy had located a Wurzburg system on cliffs near Bruneval, in Northern France, and that by seizing it would provide the solution to defeating the enemy radar. HQ Combined Operations agreed and planned a mission to seize or destroy it.

All three services were to be used in this operation, codenamed 'Biting', including the newly raised parachute qualified 'C' Coy of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, commanded by a name familiar to us now, Major John Frost.
The planning went well, but the execution, as far as rehearsals went and involving the Royal Navy, were a disaster, however the window of opportunity was narrowing because of the moon and tide so it was decided to go ahead anyway. Nine of the twelve sticks of paras were dropped, by 51Sqdn R.A.F and the Germans were caught unaware, for a while. They quickly recovered and responded and a serious fight ensued, with the Paras trying to keep the enemy at bay until the experts had examined and dismantled the equipment.The paratroopers were also under orders to kill the civilian experst rather than let them fall into enemy hands.

This is, as one can imagine, an exciting story and is told in the inimitable and usual way by Pen & Sword. There is detail in plenty and some very knowledgeable and articulate battlefield guides lead one through the terrain and the story. The exact places are visited and the whole operation is explained in clear and concise terms.

This was an operation of which I admit I knew little, but now I am enlightened. It was a brave and desperate incident that ultimately saved many lives and helped tremendously with the war effort. A good and instructive dvd, and one that I would certainly endorse.

4 mushroom heads.