The Global Infrastructure of the Special Operations Executive

The book explores the infrastructure developed by the British government to support clandestine operations during the Second World War, including training, research, supply, transportation, communication, and command and control facilities. It provides a backdrop to the brave men and women who conducted operations abroad and gives an overview of the facilities in which SOE backroom staff lived and worked.

Format: Hardback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Second World War saw the establishment of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) by the British government, with the primary objective of coordinating all actions of subversion and sabotage against the enemy overseas. While the overseas operations of this branch of the British Secret Services are relatively well-known, there has been limited research into the "backroom sections" of the organization. This book aims to bridge that gap by bringing together the infrastructure developed to support the journey of agents from recruitment to despatch to the field.

At the onset of the war, the UK lacked the necessary facilities to support clandestine operations. However, as the conflict unfolded, SOE not only had to master their operational techniques but also rapidly expand their support infrastructure globally. To effectively support their agents, the organization required the establishment of facilities dedicated to training, research and development, supply, transportation, communication, and command and control. By primarily focusing on the infrastructure designed to cater to the agents, this book provides a backdrop to the courageous individuals who undertook operations abroad. Additionally, it offers an overview of the living and working conditions of SOE's backroom staff.

The book will appeal to students and scholars of archaeology, history, and war studies, offering valuable insights into the lesser-known aspects of SOE's operations and the infrastructure that supported them.

Dimension: 243 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138749900