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OverviewAt the outbreak of the World War I there was no formal organization for the transport of spies across enemy lines by aircraft and no communications network between the air forces and their agents. Operating in all weathers, invariably at night, often at low level and usually without fighter escort, Allied 'Special Duties' (SD) squadrons and units played a vital role in the Second World War. By their very nature, these operations went unreported in wartime and for considerable time thereafter, but their importance in prosecuting the war of resistance in Occupied Europe was immense. Emerging from a time of rudimentary communications and transport, dedicated air units had been established by 1939 to fly agents into enemy territory, but their aircraft were hand-me-downs and the SD was considered a poor third to fighter and bomber operations. However, the tasks undertaken by these men and their aircraft were often more hazardous and demanding than any other type of wartime flying: for every SOS, SIS or OSS agent who lost their life in the field, at least one RAF or USAAF airman was killed while flying SD operations. Here, David Oliver examines the exploits of British, Commonwealth, American, Free European, Soviet, German, Italian and Japanese airmen and units, supported by first-hand accounts and archive photographs. AUTHOR: David Oliver was founding editor of Air Forces Monthly. He has written widely on aspects of historical and contemporary aviation, including The Great Book of Bombers (2002), RAF Fighter Command (2000) and How to Fly and Fight Spitfire (1999). He lives in Herefordshire. 82 b/w illustrations Full Product DetailsAuthor: David OliverPublisher: The History Press Ltd Imprint: The History Press Ltd Edition: New edition ISBN: 9781803997148ISBN 10: 1803997141 Publication Date: 11 July 2024 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print  This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsReviewsAuthor InformationDAVID OLIVER was founding editor of Air Forces Monthly. He has written widely on aspects of historical and contemporary aviation, including The Great Book of Bombers (2002), RAF Fighter Command (2000) and How to Fly and Fight Spitfire (1999). He lives in Herefordshire. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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