Béret Vert

A father with no military experience, Philippe Kieffer nevertheless became the founder and leader of the Free French commandos. Trained at the formidable Achnacarry camp, these volunteers carried out secret raids on European coastlines. They were the only French troops to land on 6 June 1944 and distinguished themselves throughout the Battle of Normandy. A few months later, they took part in Operation Infatuate: the attack on the island of Walcheren in the Netherlands, one of ‘the most courageous and daring feats of arms of the entire war’ according to General Eisenhower. Memoirs of a banker turned commando, Béret vert will give you an unprecedented insight into the longest day.