SOE: The Scientific Secrets

by Douglas Everett, Douglas Everett

The history of Special Operations Executive (Soe) seems to spring a never-ending run of surprises, and here are some more. This book explores the mysterious world of the tools Soe used for their missions of subversion and sabotage. An often grim reality is confronted that is more akin to the world of James Bond and Q's workshop than previously believed. Written by two scientists, one of whom served in the Soe and one who was tasked with clearing up after it was disbanded; their insider knowledge presents a clear account of the way in which Soe's inventors worked. From high explosive technology to chemical and biological devices; from the techniques of air supply to incendiarism; from camouflage to underwater warfare; and from radio communications to weaponry, The Scientific Secrets is a revelation about the tools that allowed the murky world of spying and spies to operate during wartime.

Genres: Military History

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides an overview of the scientific and technological research and development that went on to support SOE operations, and those of other forces, notably the airborne. Covering the challenges faced to ensure equipment developed in the lab was fit for purpose in the field. What comes out is some of the great results achieved - the welrod for example - and some of the areas where results were less than satisfactory, particularly in the field of submersibles.

What this book lacks (by its own admission) is linkages to the use of the equipment in the field, with only one short chapter referencing some case studies. As a result the reader is left without any context of the importance of the role played by R&D. Equally coverage of everything, necessitates a relative light touch approach, rather than greater depth into smaller number of issues.

An interesting book, that leaves the reader wanting to know more.

[Sachahaworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in the Cabinet War Rooms in London. Since reading Charles Stross' Laundry series and Sebastien Faulk's Charlotte Grey, I was a bit interested in what the SOE did. This book is about the development of the equipment that they sent to agents in the field, how it was dispatched and how it was disguised.

There's some really interesting technical information in this book, but it's disappointing that we don't get to see much of the equipment developed actually in use. A lot of projects were cancelled or just didn't work. It would have been interesting to read some first hand experiences of how the various agents used the devices they were sent and accounts of what the results were.

It's definitely worth reading if you are interested in engineering inguinity, because the result of their developments were impressive, given their lack of experience in that various fields they were being asked to develop things for.