This special podcast episode is a recording of a talk given by Dr Bruce Tocher at Hereford Welsh Club on 5th March 2026. The subject was Operation Freshman, the first glider borne raid of the Second World War, which the Vemork Norsk Hydro hydrogen electrolysis plant in Telemark, Norway. Bruce, who has studied the operation in great detail, explained the reasoning behind the raid, the selection and training of the men involved and the events of 19th November 1942 and the aftermath.
Introducing the talk, museum curator Col Andy Taylor drew attention to Sapper Thomas William Faulkner, son of Charles Henry and Florence Faulkner, of Hereford, who served with 9th Field Company (Airborne) Royal Engineers and took part in the operation. His father, uncle and grandfather had all served with the Herefordshire Regiment; his grandfather being the oldest casualty of the Regiment at Gallipoli.
Bruce outlined how the Halifax bombers and gliders managed to reach the Norwegian coast, but neither was able to reach their objective. The first pair suffered from navigational difficulties and severe weather, which resulted in the tow rope snapping and the first glider crash-landing, with its Halifax tug aircraft returning to base. Three airborne troops were killed and the survivors were captured shortly after the crash. The second pair fared even worse, with both the aircraft and glider crashing into a mountain after the aircraft flew low in search of the first glider. Both members of the glider crew were killed instantly, while one soldier passenger died soon afterwards from his injuries.
Those who survived the crashes were captured by German forces and killed as a result of Wehrmacht's Commando Order, which stated that any Allied personnel captured while involved in commando operations were to be killed immediately. At the end of the war, the Wehrmacht personnel involved were tried, sentenced to death and executed for their part in the murders.
A number of descendants and family members of Operation Freshman were present to hear this poignant and superbly researched talk, which was mounted in aid of Museum funds.
If you like what you hear, don't forget to like and subscribe to help us reach a wider audience.
Visit our website - Herefordshire Light Infantry Museum; follow us on Facebook Herefordshire Regimental Museum | Facebook or visit our Youtube channel Herefordshire Regimental Museum - YouTube.
Support the Museum? Become a Patreon supporter or a Become a Friend
Theme Tune - The Lincolnshire Poacher, performed by the outstanding Haverhill Silver Band.
This podcast generously supported by the Army Museums Ogilby Trust.
