Operation Abercrombie

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During World War II, Operation Abercrombie was a raid on the French coastal village of Hardelot scheduled for the night of 18/19 April,1942, but inhibited by bad weather until 21/22 April.

It was a short duration raid of 2 hours ashore to reconnoitre the beach defences, take prisoners, destroy a searchlight battery and inflict damage to defences. The force comprised 100 men of No.4 Commando and 50 men from the Canadian Carleton and York Regiment, (2 Canadian Infantry Brigade), under overall command of Major The Lord Lovat of No.4.

This was the first occasion the new LCS (Landing Craft Support) was employed, equipped with two machine guns and a mortar. The Canadian flotilla experienced compass navigational problems and became separated, eventually attracting tracer fire from the shore returned by their accompanying MGBs (Motor Gun Boats). No troops disembarked. The Commandos landed further north than intended but were unopposed and escaped detection until among the deep sand dunes and wire entanglements. Support fire from the LCSs partially suppressed moderate German tracer fire from the flanks and the Commandos were able to progress.

Defences were found to be light and/or abandoned as they advanced and only three Germans were encountered at close quarters who withdrew immediately. The official report recorded, "no determined opposition". A fighting patrol of 12 men sent to destroy the searchlights reached their objective but had to retire before pressing home their attack due to lack of time remaining signaled by the re-call rocket.

One Allied casualty being a Commando shot through the ankles after failing to respond to a beachhead sentry's challenge quick enough. Supporting Navy craft encountered and engaged enemy vessels, including E Boats, sinking at least one and damaging others, for three Naval casualties. Enemy land casualties unknown.

Experience of the operation contributed towards the major Combined Operations raid on Dieppe, France, Operation Jubilee, the following August.