Soe in the Low Countries - Tapa dura

MRD Foot straddles like no other the jagged intersection of the historical and intelligence professions (Professor Peter Hennessey )

A lesser historian might have made of this no more than a depressing catalogue of failure, with a biiter edge to the comment. In Foot's hands, however, this no-punches-pulled account is lively and readable, presented with wisdom and understanding and ref (SPECTATOR )

Refreshingly candid. (SUNDAY TIMES )

The performance of SOE's Belgian and Dutch sections have always been considered highly controversial because of the notorious 'Englandspiel' run by the Germans which effectively took control of the entire resistance organisation in Holland. Skilfully manipulated by Colonel Herman Giskes, the enemy arrested dozens of Dutch agents and operated their wireless sets with suficient finesse to persuade SOE's headquarters in London that their networks were operating without interference. In reality, each consignment of agents and equipment fell directly into the hands of the Nazis. Was there a traitor in London? Was it incompetence in the field or hopelessly inadequate security procedures? Opinions have differed, but now, for the first time, the official records have been opened for independent scrunity by an acknowledged scholar who has specialised in studying SOE's operations. The story that emerges is a harrowing catalogue of Whitehall jealousies and infighting, blunders and ineptitude, combined with breathtaking bravery on the part of the agents who were captured.