Compiled from authentic documents originally issued by the British SOE and American OSS, this book gives a remarkable insight into the training and techniques of Allied agents operating behind enemy lines during the Second World War. With an introduction that explains the origins and development of the two organisations, this is an essential pocket manual for anyone fascinated by the modus operandi of the Allied secret agent.

A remarkable insight into the training and techniques of Allied agents operating behind enemy lines during the Second World War. 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.

This manual builds up an authentic picture of the Allied spy.

The World War II Secret Operations Handbook reveals the skills and tricks used by the British SOE, the US OSS, the French Maquis, and other special forces between 1939 and 1945. Learn how to rig up a makeshift radio, how to pass undetected in enemy territory, how to live off the land and make shelter, and how to work as a sniper.

Facsimile reprint of pages from two volumes of a catalogue compiled for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), issued in 1944 and 1945.

The original World War Two spy manual - now available in a larger format paperback edition.

Would you spy for your country? Discover the World War II spies who lived among the shadows and the ones who lived in the limelight--disguised in plain sight! Josephine Baker. Virginia Hall. Roy Hawthorne. These are but a few of the daring spies who risked it all to deliver and protect crucial intel for the Allied powers. From housing refugees and resistance members while extracting secrets from diplomats to developing a groundbreaking, war-changing code and keeping it top secret for over twenty years, the actions of these legendary World War II spies are unbelievable but true. This thoroughly researched collection of biographies profiles several courageous individuals who resisted the Axis Powers via espionage and heroism. Includes numerous photos and features such fascinating accounts like that of Moe Berg, a major-league baseball player and potential assassin; Noor Inayat Khan, a Sufi princess and wireless operator; and Juan Pujol Garcia, a storyteller and double agent. Also features sections on invisible ink, ciphers and codes, resistance fighters, and infamous missions such as Operation Mincemeat. Back matter includes a time line, source notes, a bibliography, recommended reading, online resources, and an index.