Myths and Legends of the Second World War [Hardcover]

"Hayward illustrates that no rumor was too ridiculous, and no exaggeration too great." "--Eye Spy" --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

As with the Great War, World War II gave rise to a rich crop of legends, many of which persist in the public consciousness even today. Some are well known, like the Dunkirk story, which portrayed the disaster of 1940 as a victory. Others are more obscure like the rumours of a German invasion attempt on the beaches of Norfolk in 1940. There are stories of the "Manston Mutiny" during the Battle of Britain, espionage myths that surround the sinking of the battleship Royal Oak at Scapa Flow in 1939, the falsehood that no German spies in Britain operated outside MI5's double-cross system, and the real story behind "the man who never was". Also covered are the Rudolf Hess story, myths about the nature and true effectiveness of the Resistance movements in Europe, the occult at war and the true extent of Hitler's belief in astrology and his quest for the Holy Grail. Myths on land, sea and air are also discussed including the "betrayal" at Dieppe, Nazi U-boat bases in Ireland, and the death of Glenn Miller. Weaving his narrative around a wide range of contemporary documentary sources, James Hayward presents an analysis of the main myths, legends and popular falsehoods of World War II.

James Hayward is a solicitor by profession. He has an active interest in twentieth century military history and self-published his first book. Shingle Street, in 1994 (a study of myth and propaganda in 1940) His first book for Sutton, Myths and Legends of the First World War, was published in 2002. He lives near Dereham, Norfolk.