SOE in France: An Account of the Work of the British Special Operations Executive in France 1940-1944

By M.R.D. Foot

Book Overview

SOE in France was first published in 1966, followed by a second impression with amendments in 1968. Since these editions were published, other material on SOE has become available. It was, therefore, agreed in 2000 that Professor Foot should produce a revised version. In so doing, in addition to the material in the first edition, the author has had access to previously closed government records, as well as drawing upon his own invaluable wartime experiences and the recollections of those involved.

SOE in France begins by explaining what SOE was, where it fitted into the Allied war machine, and how it worked in France. The narrative then recounts the adventures of its agents who worked on French soil. This intricate tale concentrates on the work of the 400 hand-picked men and women of the 'independent French' section, although it also covers SOE's five other sections that operated mainly in France. All told, the six sections despatched over 1,800 clandestine agents, who between them changed the course of the war. This updated new edition will be essential reading for scholars and for all those with an informed general interest in the activities of the SOE.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0714655287
• ISBN13: 9780714655284
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 584 Pages
• Weight: 2.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

The seminal text on SOE in France

This book is carefully researched, clearly written and updated. It is THE book on the SOE in France (and I have read a few along the way). I ordered this all the way from the US of A and I am not disappointed. This is a serious read however, not a light paperback, so only get it if you are really interested / obsessed in the subject.

Unsurpassed

This is the only book in my library where I have bought all three editions of the same work. I also compared the three versions and noted the changes that the author made. The Special Operations Executive was Churchill's "Department of Ungentlemanly Warfare". Founded in 1940 with the idea of supporting resistance movements that arose in the wake of the German expansion. The SOE existed to supply agents who could coordinate guerrilla warfare activity and arrange for the supply of arms and equipment to the resistance groups. Owing to its strategic importance, population and opportunity for resistance activity France was to receive the most attention of the SOE in Western Europe. M R D Foot was a decorated soldier soldier who served with the SAS in France in 1944. He was also an academic who was approached by the British government to write an official history of the Special Operations Executive. In the capacity he was given unprecedented access to the surviving records to the SOE. As someone who has study this subject for years I know from personal experience at the Public Records Office in London, even 55 years after the liberation of France not all of the records are yet in the public domain. The work is based upon records only, Prof. Foot was not given access to surviving agents but despite this he still manages to bring to life the actions in the SOE in helping to liberate France. If you are interested in Asymmetrical Warfare, the French Resistance, the Special Operations Executive or the origins of the CIA then you can not do better than this book.

SOE in France by M.D.R. Foot

I am delighted with this book, not only with its contents but with the seller. I am in Florida and the book arrived well ahead of advertised number of days in excellent condition. Thank you 5 stars.

SOE's Secret War

If you only buy one book on the history of SOE in france then this should be the one. The job was to set Europe ablaze in the words of Churchill and they were a thorn in Germany's side. The operations and agents who carried them out are described in great detail including the nightmare of capture by the Gestapo and death in the camps or by firing squad. I have had a copy for years and value it greatly.