What is the wartime connection between a Professor of Chinese Literature, a Scotland Yard detective and a Conservative MP? Dr. Bruce Tocher explains how this diverse group of men and many others like them played a crucial role in the War Crimes Investigations and War Crimes Trials which followed the tragedy of Operation FRESHMAN, the Allies first attempt to destroy the Heavy Water Facility at Vemork in Norway, and also the Allies first Glider borne raid of WWII. Bruce will also be providing new insights into the raid itself, including information on the first casualties, the crew of a photo reconnaissance Mosquito, and the role of local Norwegians in gathering crucial intelligence before the raid was launched.
Bruce has lectured extensively in Norway and the UK on Operation FRESHMAN and was interviewed earlier this year by BBC Radio Scotland in connection with his continuing search to trace the families of all of the men who took part in the raid.