Operation Jedburgh: D-Day and America's First Shadow War

by Colin Beavan

The thrilling inside story of the secret “special operations” mission that paved the way for D- Day—and changed the way America waged war

On D-Day, three hundred young American and Allied soldiers were dropped behind enemy lines to launch a secret sabotage mission code-named Jedburgh. Working with the French Resistance, the “Jeds” launched a stunningly effective guerrilla campaign against the German war machine. In this compelling narrative, Colin Beavan, whose grandfather Gerry Miller helped direct the operation for the OSS, tells the incredible story of the rowdy daredevils who carried out America’s first special-forces mission.

Drawing on scores of interviews with Jeds, Beavan’s history reads like a spy thriller. Dodging Gestapo spies, the Jeds armed and trained fighters who liberated Paris, snarled German transport throughout France, and provided essential cover to the invading Allied forces. Beavan focuses on key figures like William Colby, Stewart Alsop, and John Singlaub—all of whom went on to high-profile postwar careers—and shows how Jedburgh pioneered the specialforces procedures still used in Iraq and Afghanistan today.

This gripping history of the original special ops mission makes a major contribution to the literature of American warfare.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, Military Fiction, Military History, American History, War

432 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2006

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. Resistance fighters, secret missions, unknown heroes, tragic tales of bravery and doom - the exact sort of history I love. But Beavan's narrative style just kept kicking me out, like a computer with a cranky network connection. I found it to be jerky and unengaging. I had to struggle to get through this book, as opposed to John Keegan, or even Stephen Ambrose, whose works are often like a good novel I can't put down. I understand Beavan has gone on to fame as the "No Impact Man" blogger; perhaps his writing style is more suited to brevity than depth. The information here is still worthy, especially for the World War II history buff, but casual readers might be better advised to steer clear.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched and -written story of Operation Jedburgh, the late World War II creation of three-man teams (French native, US or British commander, and radio operator) the year before D-Day. Shortly before the invasion a dozen or so of these teams were parachuted into German-occupied France, with the mission to train the Maquis (French resistance) in effective guerrilla tactics, radio for extra arms drops, and conduct raids, targeted by London-based leadership, designed to delay Nazi response to the invasions. Cutting rail networks, bridges, and communication lines, the Jedburgh-led resistance forces slowed German army movements towards Normandy from dozens of miles per day to a crawl, giving Allied forces time to consolidate the tenuous foothold into an unstoppable force. Later, grown to resistance forces numbering in the tens of thousands, the Jedburgh groups provided effective flank support to Patton and other Allied commanders as they swept through France, liberating huge tracts from Nazi control, and slowing German withdrawal from France, leading to the destruction of the German occupation forces. A great piece of World War II history that has never been told with such clarity.

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangely appropriate that I finished this book on D-day. This is the story of the teams of special forces troops who parachuted into Europe to prepare the Continental resistance for D-Day. The Allies, having engendered and husbanded many groups that were helping them resist the Germans, n0w needed to channel that violence into helpful acts that would be more useful to their tactical needs. To do it, they got a mixed batch of Yanks, Brits, and European Allied soldiers to form teams that could take command of the "Maquis". While this sounds straightforward, the author show how complex this effort truly was. I will say that Beavan falls into the "American Journalist Breathlessness" category of writers, and does a poor job of explaining french internal politics, but in this case it is not too annoying. I think the feats of derring do will appeal to any level of reader, and most will enjoy this book. This is a fine book for youthful (12+)readers, although the detail on the combat and torture elements may be too strong for some. Period military enthusiasts/wargamers/modellers will find enough detail, and some scenario ideas...

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic, thrilling, informative and from-the-couch-scary read. We are all so lucky that these people said yes to the challenge. Without these brave men, and women, its quite possible a different scenario may have taken place and history would be differently altered.

Read this book, I think you will be captivated as I was.

One spoiler I will provide is that my Alta mater, Rutgers, was mentioned on page 70. Bob Kehoe grew up in New Brunswick, NJ and took classes. We are RU alumni ! Bob Kehoe is a unsung hero among many.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting account of the "Jeds" that were dropped into France to train the resistance during the Allied liberation.

I wish it had been longer and recounted more of the Jed experience. (The author mentioned in the epilogue that he didn't include all the experiences he heard from former Jeds)

[C Teahouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read story about the history of US special operations

[Cheri Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

The stories of these brave soldiers was well written. I had heard of the resistance but not of the Jedburgh operation.

[Mike Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about this secret operation I had never heard about. Beavan did a good job of explaining the actions these soldiers had to take.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a bit partial to this book since my grandfather was one of the Jed's, but this is a great read nevertheless. Not only were their accomplishments incredibly vital to the Allied forces success in winning WWII - they were equated to more than 100,000 regular troops - but the book is well-written and enjoyable to follow, from how many of the American OSS guys came into Operation Jedburgh, their training and their missions after D-Day. Reading about all of the advances and retreats of the armies can become overwhelming, but we're always brought back to the small Jedburgh units and it becomes easier to manage again. Great stuff.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of stories of cunning and daring by Americans who were brave enough to parachute into occupied France to direct and work with the French Maquis. Their stories are colorful and thrilling. It is a quick read with one great story following another.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book captures the spirit of the men who worked behind enemy lines to prepare the French Resistance for the Normandy invasion. It brings to light an aspect of the war that I had never paid attention to, but which was critical to Allied success. It is very worthwhile reading.

[Linda Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of the most top-secret portions of WWII! Really enjoyed learning more about the brave men & women who risked their lives for their countries, knowing they would likely never get to tell their stories.

[Donnie Edgemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a student of the history of D-Day or the Resistance, you'll enjoy this book about Allied specialists who parachuted into occupied France to coordinate Resistance activities.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spies in France. Okay.

[Peter Kempenich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read and a very interesting narrative of pioneering special forces operations during the Second World War.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into little known operations during WWII.