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Amazon.co.uk Review
SOE The Special Operations Executive 1940- 1946 reads just as well now as it did when it was first published by the BBC in 1984 to coincide with a television series--not least because its author, M.R.D Foot, was appointed the official historian to the SOE just after World War Two and has had access to its entire archive. The SOE was hastily cobbled together in 1940 to wage subversive campaigns behind enemy lines, and by and large it made up the rules as it went along. It recruited where and when it could. As might be expected, the senior ranks generally came from the echelons of the public schools, the City, the business world and the armed services; but its agents were a bizarre mix of eccentrics and mavericks from all over the world--including North American newspaper editors, South American businessmen, Spanish smugglers, Abyssinian tribesmen, Norwegian mountaineers, schoolchildren, Dutch printers, Greek outlaws, Slovene peasants, Malayan rubber workers, Siamese noblemen, Naga hillmen, Polish and Czech railway guards and Chinese tycoons. All in all, however, SOE's total strength never totalled more than 10,000 men and 3,200 women. Often the training was crude and the operations were ill-thought out and as a result many failed. But that only serves to make those that succeeded against such long odds all the more impressive. Occasionally, such as its attack on the Norsk Hydro plant at Rjukan, SOE's operations were critical to the outcome of the war, but for the most part its successes owed more to the longevity of attrition rather than any immediate outcome.
The SOE spent much time engaged in diversionary activity. It was said that each day Hitler spent at least half an hour considering Abwehr reports on SOE activities and that he was never entirely sure of their place in the overall framework of Allied plans. But perhaps the greatest success of the SOE was the way it managed to foster a mentality of resistance in all areas of Nazi occupation. Populations that might otherwise have settled for an easy life were galvanised into a permanent state of mini-rebellion, thereby ensuring that the occupying forces could never relax for a moment. Foot is the ideal guide to walk you through this outfit of which much has been spoken but little is known, sorting out the fact from the fiction but he still finding ample room for storytelling. Your perspective on World War Two will never be quite the same again after reading this. -- John Crace
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'A fit testament to the bravery, selflessness and sacrifice of a magnificent group of people. ' Sunday Telegraph
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
MRD Foot is acknowledged as one of the leading authorities on the subject, and this work effectively summarises his efforts on SOE in different areas - as well as giving a clear picture of its origins, objectives and methods. A relatively easy read, enjoyable, and with many well chosen examples and comments on the task and problems of the organisation.
Probably the biggest problem facing the author was to pack much information into a single volume - so if you want to pick on one aspect or country it would be worth consulting one of his other works. I understand that his 'SOE in France' is a classic, though I have not read this one as yet.
Recommended for anybody interested in clandestine operations, or World War II - also a good choice for the general reader who wants an all round picture of SOE in a single work.
Probably the biggest problem facing the author was to pack much information into a single volume - so if you want to pick on one aspect or country it would be worth consulting one of his other works. I understand that his 'SOE in France' is a classic, though I have not read this one as yet.
Recommended for anybody interested in clandestine operations, or World War II - also a good choice for the general reader who wants an all round picture of SOE in a single work.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A bit dated now but ensure you have the latest edition which has included the revelation of Enigma.For a start read to the history of SOE it gives a good overall view of the politics behind its inception and its operations. I found the countries it influenced a bit light as there was no mention of West Africa. I was concerned that the author took the view that to write about the fate of agents in enemy hands was tantamount to 'Pornography' and personally feel that this recording of history, supported by evidence, is essential to honour their sacrifice.
11 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Simetimes there are certain things that cannot be written in history books. Either politics or security reasons does not allow the aknowledjment of people and organizations. This book offers to reader the opportunity to learn about and understand the significant role of SOE in WWII, not only for Britain but also for other countries that faced Nazism. It is history about WHO HOW and WHEN secretelly helped fighting the Axis forces world-wide. Especially for me it was also a confirmation of what I had Heard from people that lived the WW II in Greece, about participation of British in the efforts of my country to fight German occupation (1941-1944).
Listmania!
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