Description
Book SynopsisThe narrative surrounding Britain’s anti-invasion forces has often centred on ‘Dad’s Army’-like characters running around with pitchforks, on unpreparedness and sense of inevitability of invasion and defeat. The truth, however, is very different.
Top-secret, highly trained and ruthless civilian volunteers were being recruited as early as the summer of 1940. Had the Germans attempted an invasion they would have been countered by saboteurs and guerrilla fighters emerging from secret bunkers, and monitored by swathes of spies and observers who would have passed details on via runners, wireless operators and ATS women in disguised bunkers.
Alongside these secret forces, the Home Guard were also setting up their own ‘guerrilla groups’, and SIS (MI6) were setting up post-occupation groups of civilians – including teenagers – to act as sabotage cells, wireless operators and assassins had the Nazis taken control of the country.
The civilians involved in these groups understood the need for absolute secrecy and their commitment to keeping quiet meant that most went to their grave without ever telling anyone of their role, not even their closest family members. There has been no official and little public recognition of what these dedicated men and women were willing to do for their country in its hour of need, and after over 80 years of silence the time has come to highlight their remarkable role.
Trade ReviewBeyond informative, this is a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read that will appeal to most readers, especially those interested in military studies, World War II buffs, and James Bond enthusiasts. * History: Reviews of New Books *
Essential reading for anyone interested in Sealion or in the history of special operations forces. * The NYMAS Review 04/01/2023 *
There is a tendency … to try and 'sex-up' the story of clandestine military units — there is no need; here, the truth is better than fiction and Chatterton recognises this in a thoughtful, analytical and sober manner … One thing is for sure: this is an exciting, tantalisingly, ongoing story and in due course, more will come out. * Britain at War magazine 03/10/2022 *
Gives a good insight into guerrilla warfare tactics and concepts from the perspective of homeland defence. Individuals who are fans of military history or are in a position of leadership regarding homeland defence will find this book informative and interesting. * DODReads 07/12/2022 *
Most people tend to associate tales of wartime resistance with France, but [this] new research has revealed details of a secret civilian army of British teenagers, trained to strike back at the Nazis should they ever invade. * The Telegraph 02/01/2022 *
Very little is known about the resistance force because Britain was never invaded, and all the recruits had to sign the Official Secrets Act on joining. But [this book] details the clandestine preparations of the unit … Chatterton has pieced together the story of Section VII and other shadowy wartime organisations, and reveals this intriguing hidden chapter of the war. * The Daily Mail *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Chapter One - Formation Chapter Two - Role, ruthlessness and training Chapter Three - Bunkers, equipment, explosives and weapons Chapter Four - Changing role and stand-down Chapter Five - Special Duties Branch: Civilian spies and wireless operators Chapter Six - Signals and ATS Chapter Seven - Secrecy and change of role Chapter Eight - 'Unofficial' auxiliary unites and Home Guard guerrillas Chapter Nine - Post-occupation resistance: SIS Section VII and industrial saboteurs Conclusion
