Ex-Royal Marine and former leader of the Liberal Democrats Paddy Ashdown will be holding a talk on ‘Operation Frankton' at the National Army museum on 20 September.

An enthusiast on the subject, Lord Ashdown will take you through the story about a daring raid to paddle ‘cockleshell’ canoes into the Bordeaux harbour to sink enemy ships.

Fewer than half the men sent made it past Bordeaux, only four laid their mines and only two got back alive in a dangerous mission, which partially sank nine German ships, striking an immense blow to Germany’s sense of impregnability.

The talk will also coincide with the release of Ashdown’s book A Brilliant Little Operation.

To enter, send an email quoting 'Lord Ashdown competition' in the subject with your full name and contact telephone number to editorial1@totalpolitics.com and correctly answer the following question:

What year did the ‘Operation Frankton’ take place?

(a)  1939

(b)  1942

(c)  1945

Send your answer by 5pm on 17 August. The winner will be notified shortly afterwards.