It turned out to be a made for TV series ‘The Heroes’
Its 1943 and a group of Australian and British Commandos are assembled to attack the port of Singapore. The plan is to use a captured Japanese fishing boat to sail from Australia has close as possible to Singapore before transferring to canoes for the remainder of the attack on Singapore harbour.
The first attempt was scuppered when the fishing boat breaks down, forcing them to return to port for repairs before they could attempt the long and hazardous journey to their target.
They set of again this time the trip is uneventful but for some issues with the tide in the Lombok Straight. Within striking distance, the commandos take to their canoes to attack the harbour while the boat hides among the islands to pick them up on their return. They plan to use limpet mines to destroy as much Japanese shipping as possible. The sunk seven ships in total with a number damaged.
After making their escape they island hopped hiding from the Japanese to reach the rendezvous with the fishing boat initially missing the pickup. They were eventually picked up making their way back to Australia. The return trip was uneventful but for a near encounter with a Japanese warship. They got away with the attack with the Japanese have no idea how the attack was carried out lead to repercussion for the local population.
The attack was named Operation Jaywick was followed by Operation Rimau. Three ships were sunk, but the participants, were killed or captured and executed.
It was a pity that I could not find a version of the made for TV mini-series. In the end, I had to settle for the 90-minute film release. The film is a brilliantly produced film, fairly close to the book and in my opinion just as good, which is a rare thing to be honest.
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