Overview

Most wars have had some element of espionage and subterfuge, but few have included as much as the Second World War, where the all-embracing nature of the conflict, new technology, and the battle of ideologies conspired to make almost everywhere a war zone. The occupation of much of Europe in particular left huge areas that could be exploited. Partisans, spies and saboteurs risked everything in a limbo where the normal rules of war were usually suspended.Concealment of oneself, one's weapons and equipment, was vital, and so were the new methods and hardware which were constantly evolving in a bid to stay ahead of the Gestapo and security services. Silent killing, disguise, covert communications and the arts of guerrilla warfare were all advanced as the war progressed. With the embodiment and expansion of organisations such as the British SOE and the American OSS, and the supply of special forces units which operated behind enemy lines, clandestine warfare became a permanent part of the modern military and political scene.Perhaps surprisingly many of these hitherto secret techniques and pieces of equipment were put into print at the time and many examples are now becoming available. This manual brings together a selection of these dark arts and extraordinary objects and techniques in their original form, under one cover to build up an authentic picture of the Allied spy.

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9780760337516

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Reviews

"World War II Forums""Readers who have any interest in the OSS or SOE will find Special Ops to be of particular interest but most people with any interest in history, self-defense and trickery will find Special Ops to be equally engaging. It is difficult to read Special Ops and not be transported back to the days of one's youth and games of Army and Spy. As such, Special Ops offers both a great opportunity to read several important training manuals in one concise compilation and to enjoy a nostalgic trip back in our own lives. Special Ops, 1939-1945: A Manual of Covert Warfare and Training could very easily have been called The Dangerous Book for Grown-Ups and the title would have fit very well! Indeed, I have read no book this year which is more appropriate for the Christmas stockings of war buffs and students of spy organizations or anyone who just enjoys intrigue and mischief!"""

World War II Forums Readers who have any interest in the OSS or SOE will find Special Ops to be of particular interest but most people with any interest in history, self-defense and trickery will find Special Ops to be equally engaging. It is difficult to read Special Ops and not be transported back to the days of one's youth and games of Army and Spy. As such, Special Ops offers both a great opportunity to read several important training manuals in one concise compilation and to enjoy a nostalgic trip back in our own lives. Special Ops, 1939-1945: A Manual of Covert Warfare and Training could very easily have been called The Dangerous Book for Grown-Ups and the title would have fit very well! Indeed, I have read no book this year which is more appropriate for the Christmas stockings of war buffs and students of spy organizations or anyone who just enjoys intrigue and mischief!

Author Information

Dr Stephen Bull is the Curator of the Museum of Lancashire in Preston. He has written two major volumes on arms and armour and bestselling volumes on Trench Warfare and World War II Infantry Tactics. He is the author of An Officer's Manual of the Western Front (2007).

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