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

London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1966. First Edition. Octavo. First printing. 550p., index, appendix, folding organizational chart, all four maps present in rear pocket. While the SOE in France were involved with intelligence, coordination of the French underground, and actual work to destroy key parts of the military infrastructure of the Nazis, the SIS (Stragetic Intelligence Service) fought to limit their power, preferring to work almost entirely on a huge intelligence network. They were able to plant eighteen hundred forces in France in spite of SIS's attempts to disrupt in spite of the fact they were both under the Combined Chiefs of Staff (see chart) and ultimately the War Cabinet. When the book was issured Peter Chuchill sued (not a relative of Sir Winston but thought by the Nazi's was kept alive as was his fellow agent Odette (who pretended to be his wife). A scarce copy of one of the best assessments of the British relationship to the French Underground.Bound in browncloth, spine lettering gilt over black. A near fine copy in unclipped very good dust jacket with toning to spine and edges. (Inventory #: 025016)