SOE in the Low Countries - M. R. D. Foot

The performance of SOE's Belgian and Dutch sections have always been considered highly controversial because of the notorious 'Englandspiel' run by the Germans which effectively took control of the entire resistance organisation in Holland. Skilfully manipulated by Colonel Herman Giskes, the enemy arrested dozens of Dutch agents and operated their wireless sets with suficient finesse to persuade SOE's headquarters in London that their networks were operating without interference. In reality, each consignment of agents and equipment fell directly into the hands of the Nazis.Was there a traitor in London? Was it incompetence in the field or hopelessly inadequate security procedures? Opinions have differed, but now, for the first time, the official records have been opened for independent scrunity by an acknowledged scholar who has specialised in studying SOE's operations.The story that emerges is a harrowing catalogue of Whitehall jealousies and infighting, blunders and ineptitude, combined with breathtaking bravery on the part of the agents who were captured.