just in time. Again, it was not without difculties. Weather delays and
the limited number of Whitley aircraft created constant setbacks, but
Frost pushed through, determined not to lose the chance to lead his
men into action. By the end of January 1942, he had qualied as a
parachutist and secured his command of C Company. Reecting on
the experience, he later wrote:
“I found that I was to be treated with considerable privilege, that all the
usual formalities and regulations which went with the course would
be waived, and that I should be allowed to do my jumps in as short a
time as possible. From further conversation with him I could not help
deducing that the company had been earmarked for something fairly
important, and it might be action against the enemy.”
The Bruneval Raid
In February 1942, now a Major, Frost led “C” Company in the celebrated
Bruneval Raid on the French coast. Their mission was to seize vital
components from a German radar installation. Despite difculties with
the landing, Frost rallied his men under re and ensured the success
of the operation. His Military Cross citation praised his “outstanding
leadership and determination,” concluding that “the success of the
operation was largely due to his ability.”
Right: Frost returning
from the Bruneval Raid.
Afterwards, Frost was
summoned to personally
brief Winston Churchill,
a mark of the raid’s
importance.