Operation Howard

Operation Howard
Part of Western Front
Date6 – 29 April 1945
Location
Result British victory
Belligerents
 United Kingdom Nazi Germany Germany
Commanders and leaders
United Kingdom Paddy Mayne Nazi Germany Wolfgang Erdmann
Strength

1st Special Air Service

Elements of the 7th Parachute Division
Casualties and losses
5 killed
19 wounded
11 captured or missing
6 jeeps lost[1]
200 + killed or wounded
400 captured[2]

Operation Howard was a British special forces operation by B and C Squadrons, 1st Special Air Service led by Paddy Mayne that took place from 6 to 29 April 1945. It was to provide reconnaissance for the Canadian 4th Armoured Division in its advance towards Oldenburg in north-western Germany. The operation was hampered by German ambushes and boggy ground which the Jeeps found hard going. The operation succeeded in its objective but suffered a number of casualties.

The operation was notable for an action where many felt that Paddy Mayne should have won the Victoria Cross.[3]

  1. ^ Bradford & Dillon 1987, pp. 248–54.
  2. ^ Ross 2011, p. 181.
  3. ^ Macintyre 2016, p. 300.