Jedburgh Operations: Support to the French Resistance in Central France from June through September 1944

by Michael R. King

This study is a historical narrative of Jedburgh teams Hugh, Hamish, Ian, Andy, Ivor, and Alec, which operated in Central France from June through September 1944. The teams consisted of two officers, one French and the other American or British, and one non-commissioned officer wireless telegraphy (radio) operator. Jedburghs, as the team members were called, were all volunteers and specially trained soldiers in the art of guerrilla warfare. Their purpose was to support the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) during its campaign to liberate northwestern Europe, beginning with operation OVERLORD in France. This study explains the origins, purpose, and missions/tasks of the Jedburgh project. The focus of this study, however, is of the actual operations of six Jedburgh teams. I documented the activities of these teams in order to recount their achievements and analyze their effectiveness. As will be seen, five of the six Jedburgh teams were effective. Additionally, a review of the Jedburgh operations validates current Special Forces doctrine as it relates to unconventional warfare and special reconnaissance.

164 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 1991