During WWII, it was important to have agents behind the lines in German-held territory to perform acts of sabotage to the German war machine. This could be something as innocuous as providing the wrong directions to German troops to destroying factories or power plants. Some of this was done by resistance movements within the country, but other times, it was done by agents dropped behind lines. The job of these men and women was to inculcate themselves into the local society, waiting for the time and opportunity to perform their mission. Others were sent to try to develop long-term operations with local resisters. On the average, when an SOE (Special Operations Executive) agent was dropped behind enemy lines, their life span was about three months.

This required not only dedication, but a training regimen that was like no other. They were picked for their dedication, ability to look and act as locals, their physical stamina and their ability to stay in character, no matter what the conditions. Training included living off the land, mock interrogations that few would withstand today, and practice missions within the UK where often times these people were caught by local constabulary and thought to be enemy agents.

Much of the success of these missions was dependent on communication back to the UK and a considerable amount of their training involved radio and Morse Code operation. Then there was training in using code to send and receive messages, setting up resistance cells, hand to hand combat, silent killing and everything you have seen in the movies. They were trained to be particularly cold blooded and once a captive had provided the information that was needed, that captive was to be killed.

This book It tells how they were recruited, how they were trained, how they were clothed, the weapons that they used, and the tactics they used. It tells of life behind the lines and the stories of many who survived the war, either by returning to the UK or in German concentration camps. These people were frequently not wearing uniforms so were treated as spies when caught. It also tells of the considerable in-fighting between various branches of the British government over who would control these assets.

This is all enhanced by a superb choice of photographs as well as the artwork of illustrator Steve Noon. It makes for another fascinating look at how these men and women were able to perform their duties and cope with the war situation. A book that I found to be an enthralling read that pulled me in and kept me reading well into the night. A book that I can highly recommend to you.

March 2009

 For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com or contact them at Osprey Direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2FA, UK. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.