Set Europe Ablaze

A gripping look at how SOE agents of World War II trained for their work in occupied territories, the tools they used, and the paths they took to ensure victory.



At the start of World War II, Winston Churchill commanded the Special Operations Executive to 'set Europe ablaze'. To do this, extraordinarily brave men and women were selected, trained and parachuted into occupied countries by moonlight. Once there, they caused mayhem by inciting unrest in the population, sabotaging enemy infrastructure, organizing resistance and backing anti-establishment organizations. Trained in sabotage, small arms, radio communication, unarmed combat and silent killing, SOE agents also had to be fluent in multiple languages so they could fit seamlessly into society. If their presence aroused suspicion, their missions – or their lives – could be over before they even began. These dangers were part of what it meant to be an SOE agent.



Armed with the top-secret Special Operations Manual and joined by two ex-SAS soldiers, historian and explorer Graham Hoyland retraces the steps of some of these agents, following their routes across Europe from training in Scotland, through escape routes over the Pyrenees to caves in Crete. With a boots-on-the-ground approach, Hoyland showcases how these agents lived, fought and died, bringing their story to life and honouring their incredible bravery.