The Bruneval raid was aimed at captuing German radar technology in a small-scale lightening commando raid. It was a complete success. British raids into enemy territory, both seaborne and aerial, are well documented, especially the RAF's role in supporting the French resistance. Until now, it was assumed the dreaded German raids, often caricatured as parachutists disguised as nuns, had never materialised. However, new information suggests that small scale commando raids by the Germans did take place at times along the South Coast.

One such raid is said to have occurred at St. Lawrence in an exact copy of the Bruneval raid several months after. A German commando unit was landed from a fast gunboat at St. Lawrence and, having scaled the cliff, were involved in a short fire fight with guards at the Radar station. It seems that a few British were killed in the fight. The German unit returned to a waiting U-boat, before crossing back acros the Channel.

Please can you help: The Isle of Wight Historical Review would be most interested in hearing from anyone with further information on this raid, especially from any German people who knew anyone who took part in this raid. Any first-hand information from local Island people would also be most welcome and gratefully received. All information will be treated confidentially and will not be passed on to a third party.

e-mail: lordcornell@ukonline.co.uk

Ventnor Radar Station during World War II.