Operation Forfar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Operation Forfar
Part of North West Europe Campaign (Part of World War II)
Date July – September 1943 Location Northern France
Belligerents
United Kingdom  France	Nazi Germany

Operation Forfar was a series of secret missions carried out by British Commandos during World War II. These missions took place on the coast of France between July and September 1943.

The main goal of Operation Forfar was to trick the German army. It was part of a bigger plan called Operation Starkey. The British wanted to make the Germans think a major invasion was coming. This would hopefully make the German air force (called the Luftwaffe) come out and fight. The missions also helped the British gather information about German defenses and equipment.

Why Were These Raids Important?

In January 1943, the Allied leaders decided to delay a big invasion of France until the next year. Instead, they chose to focus on fighting in the Mediterranean region.

To keep German forces busy and away from the Mediterranean, they needed a clever plan. Major-General Frederick Morgan was put in charge of creating these trick operations. His job was to make the Germans believe an invasion of France was still happening. This would keep German troops and planes tied up in Western Europe.

Planning the Deception Missions

Major-General Morgan worked with John Bevan, who led a special group called the London Controlling Section (LCS). They created a new section called "Ops (B)" to plan these trick operations.

On June 3, 1943, they presented three main plans to their commanders. These plans were named Starkey, Wadham, and Tindall. Together, they were known as Operation Cockade. The goal was to meet their deception targets for 1943.

What Was Operation Starkey?

Operation Starkey was a fake invasion threat aimed at the Pas de Calais area in France. This was planned for early September 1943. The main idea was to make the Luftwaffe fly out to defend against the supposed invasion. This would lead to a big air battle.

To make the fake invasion seem real, the Allies gathered landing craft and other equipment. They also planned small, secret Commando raids on the French coast. These raids were part of Operation Forfar.

Who Were the Commandos?

Each raiding team usually had about ten soldiers. These soldiers came from special units like No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando, No. 12 Commando, and the Special Boat Service.

Their job was to act like they were scouting for a real invasion. They even left behind fake letters for the Germans to find. These letters were meant to make the Germans believe a big attack was truly coming.

How Many Raids Happened?

Historians have slightly different numbers for how many raids were planned and carried out. Some say fourteen missions were planned, but only eight happened. One mission, called Forfar Beer, had to be canceled three times before it finally succeeded. Another historian believes thirteen missions were planned, but only six were completed.

Key Raids of Operation Forfar

The Commando teams carried out several raids with different goals. Here are some of the known missions: