Operation Biting: The Bruneval Raid - The Weirdest and Most Amusing Battle in WWII

Operation Biting, a commando-style operation carried out by British forces on February 27, 1942, against a German radar station in Bruneval, France, might be one of the most remarkable and amusing battles in World War II. This operation, code-named Operation Biting, was planned to capture and study the technology of the Würzburg radar to give the Allies a significant technological advantage.

Operation and Planning

In 1941, RAF pilots reported the existence of these radar stations to British command, although their exact purpose and technology were unknown. A significant number of British scientists believed that the Würzburg Radars were key to the significant losses suffered by RAF during bombing raids. It was decided to attack a radar station to obtain its technology and study it thoroughly.

Challenges and Solutions

Initial plans for a sea-based commando assault were scrapped due to the coastal defenses and the estimated number of German troops. Furthermore, the newly created 38th Wing lacked planes and trained crews, so they were assigned the mission with the 51st Squadron. The 1st Airborne Division, though having two parachute battalions, only the 1st was fully trained and reserved for other operations. Commander John Dutton Frost was given command of C Company to lead the mission despite the lack of fully trained personnel.

Training and Preparation

The training for C Company started immediately and faced several challenges. The lack of planes and trained crews, along with the need to train in night landings and jumps, posed significant hurdles. The 38th Wing under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Percy Charles Pickard, along with the 1st Airborne Division under General Frederick Browning and the 38th Wing, oversaw the training. The company eventually completed their training and practiced with a scale model of the radar station based on aerial photographs.

Extraction Plan and Execution

The attack was scheduled for a full moon and high tide for optimal conditions. On February 27, the operation commenced with the RAF's A.W.38 Whitley planes carrying the paratroopers successfully crossing the English Channel. However, they faced heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, with some platoons landing far from the drop zone. Despite challenges, the raiders managed to capture and dismantle the radar, securing it for transport back to England.

Capture and Return

Davis, Frost's men encountered resistance, but no significant opposition. The radio equipment failed, leaving Frost isolated. The captured radar and a German technician were secured, and Frost ordered a split force to cover the retreat to the beach. The naval force, led by Commander Cook, arrived with an unexpected number of boats, adding confusion to the evacuation. Despite the chaos, the commandos, radar, and prisoners were safely evacuated and returned to Britain.

Legacy and Impact

The Bruneval Raid was a complete success with few casualties and significant technological gains. This operation not only provided the Allies with valuable insights into German radar technology but also demonstrated the effectiveness of combined arms and intelligence-driven missions.

Keywords: Operation Biting, Bruneval Raid, WWII