Before joining Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP) in 1943, Ruari McLean served as the Royal Navy's liaison officer on the Free French submarine Rubis.
This footage shows Rubis captain Henri Rousselot awarding the Croix de Guerre to four members of Rubis' crew.
There's then a very brief glimpse of Rousselot talking with McLean. Even though I've slowed it down, the scene lasts just seconds - but it's a rare glimpse of a COPP man caught on film.
Discover a bit more about McLean's time with Rubis - including one patrol were it didn't look as though they'd make it home:
www.coppsurvey.uk/latest-news/submarine-liaison-officer
And read McLean's profile:
www.coppsurvey.uk/ruari-mclean
Rubis survived the war with the distinction of being the most successful French submarine, with a reported 22 ships to its name. In the 1950s it was deliberately sunk to act as a sonar training target.
Rousselot stayed in the French navy and achieved the rank of Vice Admiral before retiring in 1972. After his death in 1994, his ashes were scattered onto the sea above his boat's wreck.
Footage © IWM ADM 526
Негізгі бет Ruari McLean and the Free French submarine Rubis
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