Operation Cooney

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Operation Cooney was a small airborne raid in Brittany during the Normandy invasion. It took place 8–10 June 1944 (parachute drops began 7 June). The mission was to disrupt German communications between West Brittany and the rest of France, slowing their response to Overlord. The operation involved the Free French 4th Parachute Battalion (4e Bataillon d'Infanterie de l'Air), later renamed the 2e Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes, also known as the 4th Special Air Service.

Nine aircraft of 38 Group, with two from No. 297 Squadron RAF, dropped 58 Free French paratroopers on at least 18 undefended drop zones from Saint-Malo to Vannes. The parachutists formed 18 teams of three to five men and scattered across Brittany to destroy railway targets. To mark their passage, they tied railroad ties around trees.

Some raiders linked up with base parties established by the Dingson team at Saint-Marcel in Morbihan, or by the Samwest team at Duault in Côtes d'Armor.

Overall, the operation was tactically indecisive, but it contributed to the Allied strategic victory in Normandy.