SOE's Mastermind: The Authorised Biography of Major General Sir Colin Gubbins KCMG, DSO, MC

by Brian Lett

For those with even a passing interest in the Second World War, the name Colin Gubbins is synonymous with the Special Operations Executive (SOE). This is not surprising as from its creation in late 1940 at Prime Minister Winston Churchills command to set Europe ablaze, Gubbins was the driving force behind SOE. Over the next four years as, first, Operations and Training Director (codename M) and, from 1943, its Commander (CD) he masterminded every aspect of its worldwide covert operations.Remarkably this is the first full biography of the man whose contribution to victory ranks in the premier league. The Authors research and access to family archives reveal the experiences in The Great War and later in Russia, Ireland, Poland and as Head of British Resistance that made Gubbins such a pivotal and influential wartime figure.The result is a fascinating biography that reveals as much about SOEs extraordinary activities as it does about the man who inspired and commanded them.

Genres: Biography, World War II

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2016

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched book on the legendary Colin Gubbins. The book is split into two halves, the first part being his life up to him starting work for SOE, and his life thereafter, focusing on the World War 2 years. The first half was great and shows the full life he lived, from his schooling days, his days in the frontline in World War One where he served from 1914-1918 and his subsequent postings in the aftermath of World War One and the interwar years and the early days of World War Two. Here his service in north Russia with the British intervention force and his time fighting the IRA before and during the Irish Civil War is really interesting. The author describes how all these experiences would later make him the mastermind he would become at SOE.

The second part is how SOE started and evolved into the effective clandestine organization it became and focuses much more on the broader picture and some of its most daring operations of the war and the different areas it operated in. Though interesting, it becomes more about SOE and less about Gubbins here and lost me a bit towards the end. Recommended if you are interested in this area of World War 2.

[S. D. Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looked this up via Damian Lewis' SAS/SOE Books and it was an easily paced, digestible book to add some background to a hugely important historical figure.

It was well researched, informative of early years, but I felt it became lighter towards the middle/end of WW2, and concentrated on only a few operations, which felt like a missed opportunity, even considering classification and so on. Seems a pity Gubbins never provided an autobiography, or at least something releasable within his limitations, particularly after 1945.

Adds interest, but could go further.

[Andy Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great man

It is not surprising that Colin was disliked by the regular military. He used every opportunity to help win the war and there were many who were more interested doing by the book rather than the end result.

[Mr Keith Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest & most innovative military commanders of all time & this is a journey through his life, his influences & his actions and it is spellbinding. Superb read.

[Bill Ramsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing life and a story well-told. Highly recommended for anyone curious about the lesser-known details of World War II.

[Caroline Dunford · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOE WWll

A comprehensive insight into the man who built the SOE and what this extraordinary department did worldwide to preserve freedom