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"A superb description of crime-busting at the front end." --Bertram's Books, July 2011
"A dedicated police historian" --Police Oracle, July 2011
"Another `Dick Kirby Special' that tells some wonderful stories about how Scotland Yard responded to London's crime problems after World War Two." --History by the Yard, July 2011
"Dick Kirby has recaptured the spirit of the post-war era ... in this wonderfully detailed and deferential book." --Tangled Web, July 2011
" ... the fascinating true story of a talented squad of gang-busting detectives who were there when special deeds were essential. Dick Kirby ... knows how to bring his coppers to life on the page." --Joseph Wambaugh, author of 'The Choirboys'
"A dedicated police historian" --Police Oracle, July 2011
"Another `Dick Kirby Special' that tells some wonderful stories about how Scotland Yard responded to London's crime problems after World War Two." --History by the Yard, July 2011
"Dick Kirby has recaptured the spirit of the post-war era ... in this wonderfully detailed and deferential book." --Tangled Web, July 2011
" ... the fascinating true story of a talented squad of gang-busting detectives who were there when special deeds were essential. Dick Kirby ... knows how to bring his coppers to life on the page." --Joseph Wambaugh, author of 'The Choirboys'
Product Description
When the Second World War ended, England was bombed-out and starving, with practically every saleable commodity rationed. It was the age of austerity and criminal opportunity. Thieves broke into warehouses, hi-jacked lorries and ransacked railway yards to feed the black market; others stole, recycled or forged ration coupons. Scotland Yard was 6,000 men under strength but something dramatic had to be done and it was. Four of the Yard s best informed detectives were summoned to form the Special Duties Squad and were told: Go out into the underworld. Gather your informants. Do whatever is necessary to ensure that the gangs are smashed up. We will never ask you to divulge your sources of information. But remember you must succeed. They did. Divisional Detective Inspector Jack Capstick, a brilliant thief-taker and informant runner, Detective Inspector Henry Clark, who knew the south London villains as few other detectives did and in addition, possessed a punch like the kick of a mule and Detective Sergeants Matt Brinnand and John Gosling, who topped the Flying Squad war-time arrests, both individually and collectively, went out and with their informants, undercover officers and their own, unsurpassed ability, and in under four years, they arrested 789 criminals, solved 1,506 cases and recovered stolen property valued at £250,000 or £10 million by today s standards. The Special Duties Squad was a one-off. How the four officers accomplished their task is divulged in this thrilling book, using hitherto unseen official documents and conversations from people who were there.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Dick Kirby's latest book is a great history lesson of the unique response Scotland Yard made to crime in war time London. 'Scotland Yard's Ghost Squad' is both informative and comprehensively researched. It is written at a pace and easily read by anyone interested in police history, particularly in the mid 1900s. You get a feeling for all the characters; those of ill repute taking advantage of war to carry out criminal activity and the hard working police officers using all their cunning and guile to bring them to justice, in such challenging times too. Dick Kirby's book cements into history this little known unit 'the Ghost Squad'. Without their efforts, I suspect London would have been a different place, without this book most of us would have never known anything about it. He also challenges us to think of the methods used by the 'Ghost Squad' and how modern officers might benefit from their skill and determination today. Being the fine writer he is and passionate detective he was, I am in no doubt what Dick Kirby thinks.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
At the conclusion of the 1939 to 1945 war it was necessary to combat a disproportionate level of criminal activity in London and, in consequence, that brought about the formation of the Ghost Squad. The author of the book Dick Kirby, a former highly respected CID officer with considerable experience on the Flying Squad describes the challenges of the chosen Ghost Squad officers who were selected because of their aptitude, in general, and their experience, in particular, in the managing of informants. The book highlights, in particular, the complete disregard by the criminals for the members of the Ghost Squad - some of whom received serious injuries.
The detailed information which Dick Kirby has produced gives an interesting insight into the way crime was tackled then and how it contrasts with how it is done today. As a former member of the Flying Squad, I suggest that the reading of this book should be followed by the reading of the book 'Sweeney' as both give a realistic account of the workings of the Flying Squad over different periods.
The detailed information which Dick Kirby has produced gives an interesting insight into the way crime was tackled then and how it contrasts with how it is done today. As a former member of the Flying Squad, I suggest that the reading of this book should be followed by the reading of the book 'Sweeney' as both give a realistic account of the workings of the Flying Squad over different periods.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A mere television script couldn't equal this. A real life, little-known story of a serious contribution to crime-fighting during the fragile post-war era in London. But this is not a parochial story! Common-sense, ordinary (well, not really!)coppers with limited resources and fragile support, but motivated in a doggedly determined way, punching well above their weight (figuratively) and delivering results against formidable odds. Kirby's unemotional rendition of the facts engages the reader by allowing the historical sequence of events and real-life colourful characters involved to set their own dramatic tone - a triumph of substance and style. Highly recommended!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An excellent insight into a fascinating topic
As with his earlier books, Dick Kirby makes excellent use of official records, annotated with his own, pithy insights. Read more
Published 10 months ago by LegalEagle
A great insight into this aspect of policing
I had already bought a copy of this book and so thoroughly enjoyed it that I bought two more to give to family members! Read more
Published 10 months ago by Bill the boater
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