The Secret Agent's Pocket Manual

1939-1945

The Secret Agent's Pocket Manual cover

The Secret Agent's Pocket Manual

1939-1945

Description

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction by Dr Stephen Bull

CHAPTER I Partisan Leader's Handbook, 1939
CHAPTER II All in Fighting, 1942
CHAPTER III Propaganda Efforts Against Hitler
CHAPTER IV Simple Sabotage Field Manual, 1944
CHAPTER V Manual of Disguise, 1944
CHAPTER VI Sten Gun Manual, 1944

Index
Picture credit

Product details

Published 21 Dec 2017
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 160
ISBN 9781472833273
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series General Military
Short code GNM
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Stephen Bull

Dr Stephen Bull worked for the National Army Museu…

Resources

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