{"product_id":"englishman-abroad-soe-agent-dick-mallabys-italian-missions-1943-45","title":"Englishman Abroad: SOE agent Dick Mallaby's Italian missions, 1943-45","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eGianluca Barneschi has uncovered the true story of a real-life James Bond, Richard Dick Mallaby, the first Briton to be sent to Italy as an SOE operative. He was arrested and tortured by the Italian authorities but managed to escape and negotiate the armistice with Italy. He was back in action in 1945, helping to secure the surrender of 800,000 German forces in Italy. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 336 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30 May 2019\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBased on extensive research spanning two decades, Gianluca Barneschi has unearthed the captivating true story of a real-life James Bond. The dashing Special Operations Executive agent Richard \"Dick\" Mallaby holds the distinction of being the first Briton to be dispatched to Italy as an SOE operative. In August 1943, he made an audacious parachute descent into Lake Como, embarking on a perilous mission. Despite being apprehended and initially subjected to torture by the Italian authorities, Mallaby's charm and wit proved invaluable in navigating his way out of trouble. He played a crucial role in assisting Marshal Pietro Badoglio and King Victor Emmanuel III in their escape to the Allied lines. His diplomatic skills also played a pivotal role in negotiating the armistice with Italy, resulting in him being awarded the Military Cross.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMallaby's adventures continued in 1945 when he crossed into Fascist-controlled northern Italy from Switzerland. However, his mission was once again fraught with danger as he was swiftly captured and interrogated by the SS. Miraculously, he managed to narrowly escape a firing squad yet again. In a remarkable turn of events, he played a key role in securing the surrender of 800,000 German forces in Italy in May 1945.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRichard \"Dick\" Mallaby's remarkable life and achievements serve as a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of those who served during World War II. His story reminds us of the sacrifices made by individuals who risked their lives to protect freedom and democracy. Gianluca Barneschi's diligent research has brought this forgotten hero to the forefront, shedding light on the untold tales of those who shaped history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 514g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 221 x 128 x 31 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781472835444\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gianluca Barneschi","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44100335763706,"sku":"9781472835444","price":12.13,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/5f565c311e317a46d9a161ddc7665bfc.jpg?v=1625193168","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/englishman-abroad-soe-agent-dick-mallabys-italian-missions-1943-45","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}