I first learned about the The Greatest Raid of All Time thanks to an excellent documentary produced by Jeremy Clarkson. That led me to historian and author James Dorrian who served as a consultant on Clarkson’s documentary. Dorrian has spent countless hours interviewing several of the surviving participants and kindly put me in contact with his dear friend General Corran Purdon, who was aboard the HMS Campbeltown, tasked with the demolition of one of the pump houses for the massive dry dock.
Early Service and Commando Operations
Commissioned into the Royal Ulster Rifles in 1939, Purdon volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No. 12 Commando. He participated in raids in Norway and France, including the notable Operation Chariot—the 1942 raid on the heavily fortified docks at Saint-Nazaire. During this operation, he led a demolition team aboard HMS Campbeltown, tasked with destroying key dock installations. Wounded and captured during the mission, Purdon was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry.
Prisoner of War and Escape Attempts
Following his capture, Purdon was held in several German POW camps, including Spangenberg and the notorious Colditz Castle (Oflag IV-C). He made an escape attempt from Spangenberg, remaining at large for ten days before recapture. His time as a prisoner lasted until the end of the war in 1945.
Post-War Military Career
After the war, Purdon continued his military service, holding various command and staff positions. Notably, he served as Commander of the Sultan’s Armed Forces in Oman from 1967 to 1970, playing a significant role during the Dhofar Rebellion. He later became General Officer Commanding Near East Land Forces before retiring in 1976.
Later Life and Legacy
In retirement, Purdon served as Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force from 1978 to 1981. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and received the Colonial Police Medal (CPM) for his services. His memoir, List the Bugle: Reminiscences of an Irish Soldier, published in 1993, provides a detailed account of his military experiences.
Signature
The logbook traveled from Japan to London where my nephew Daniel Devaux, handled the local logistics. Major Purdon, despite preparing to have a medical procedure, agreed to autograph the book – which he did on 5 August 2016. This stoic, modest, gracious, heroic gentleman would set a tone which I would encounter repeatedly in all who signed subsequently.
Regrettably this gentle-man passed away on 27 June 2018. His sterling legacy will be remembered for generations.
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