M. R. D. Foot

The historian of the British World War II intelligence organization chronicles his life and service career in this memoir. Michael (M.R.D.) Foot enjoys the rare distinction of being the only person referred to by his real name in a John Le Carré novel. A highly significant tribute to the man entrusted with writing the official record of the Special Operations Executive. He authored first (1966) the History of SOE in France and twenty years later the highly sensitive accounts of SOE operations in Belgium and Holland (which the Germans infiltrated with disastrous results). With his own war service background and academic reputation M.R.D. was an inspired choice for these historic tasks. He was fearless in pursuit of the truth and in thwarting bureaucratic attempts to muzzle him. His war exploits make thrilling reading. His behind-the-lines mission to track down a notorious SD interrogator went badly wrong, and he only just escaped with his life. His career has brought him into close contact with an astonishing cast of characters, and his tongue-in-cheek account of academic life makes lively reading.

Memories of an S.O.E. Historian

Ian Dear

Michael Richard Daniell Foot

From blitzkrieg and blackout to ghettos and Guadalcanal, World War II was a conflict that touched all nations and penetrated all aspects of people's lives. Sixty years after it ended, it still shapes the world we live in today. With over 1,750 A-Z entries, by more than 140 specialist contributors from Germany, Italy, and Japan, as well as from the Allied nations, the Companion provides uniquely worldwide coverage of the war. The strategies, forces, battles, and campaigns, and the social, political, and economicenvironments in which they operated are explored from both sides of the conflict. Every aspect of the war is covered: in-depth surveys of the countries involved in the conflict; politics and strategy; domestic and economic issues; resistance and intelligence; campaigns and battles; warfare and weapons; wartime leaders and influential people; slogans and slang The Companion's comprehensive coverage and in-depth analysis are supported by hundreds of maps, charts, and diagrams, and a full chronology.

The Oxford Companion to World War II

Brian Harrison

Following on from the success of Brief Lives, published in 1997, and Political Lives, Stage and Screen Lives, and Literary Lives, published in 2001, Secret Lives, which will publish alongside three other titles, Royal Lives, Military Lives, and Musical Lives, will be a welcome addition to theseries to anyone with an interest in the secret underworld of political and military intrigue.What is it like to be a spy? What makes someone decide to lead a secret life? What qualities do such people have in common? How do they get away without being detected? How do they slip up? How are they found out? What makes their life so extraordinary? What makes their life so ordinary? Why did 'Kim' Philby become a spy? What events first sparked Sir Colin McVean Gubbins's interest in irregular warfare? What part did businessman Greville Wynne play in the Cuban missile crisis? Who really was Guy Fawkes?Eminent historian and former wartime intelligence officer, M. R. D. Foot, has made a personal selection of around 100 mini-biographies taken from the archives of the Dictionary of National Biography of some of the men and women who have in their lifetime made themselves famous (or made themselvesinfamous) working in secret intelligence.Viewed individually each article in this collection is a permanent historic record of a life in a particular period in time, from the times of Guy Fawkes to the end of the last century. Viewed as a collection the biographies allow for a fascinating tour through the history of secret intelligence. Entries include:Benedict Grinsburg on Edith CavellChristopher Andrew on Sir M. G. S. CummingSidney Lee on Guy FawkesPeter Wilkinson on Sir Colin McVean GubbinsNigel Clive on 'Kim' PhilbyM. R. D. Foot on Violette SzaboSidney Lee on Sir Francis WalsinghamJohn Hamilton on William WindhamM. R. D. Foot on Greville Maynard Wynne

Secret Lives

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.

M. R. D. Foot

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