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Undercover Agent

How one of SOE's youngest agents helped defeat the Nazis

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Undercover Agent

By: Mark Seaman
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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Tony Brooks was unique. He was barely out of school when recruited in 1941 by the Special Operations Executive (SOE), the wartime secret service established by Churchill to 'set Europe ablaze'. After extensive training he was parachuted into France in July 1942 - being among the first (and youngest) British agents sent to support the nascent French Resistance.

Brook's success was primarily due to his exceptional qualities as a secret agent, although he was aided by large and frequent slices of luck. Among much else, he survived brushes with a British traitor and a notorious double agent; the Gestapo's capture of his wireless operator and subsequent attempts to trap Brooks; brief incarceration in a Spanish concentration camp; injuries resulting from a parachute jump into France; and even capture and interrogation by the Gestapo - although his cover story held and he was released.

In an age when we so often take our heroes from the worlds of sport, film, television, music, fashion, or just 'celebrity', it is perhaps salutary to be reminded of a young man who ended the war in command of a disparate force of some 10,000 armed resistance fighters, and decorated with two of this country's highest awards for gallantry, the DSO and MC. At the time, he was just twenty-three years old.

This remarkable, detailed and intimate account of a clandestine agent's dangerous wartime career combines the historian's expert eye with the narrative colour of remembered events. As a study in courage, it has few, if any, equals. Espionage Freedom & Security Military Military & War Politics & Government True Crime World War II War Funny Winston Churchill
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A real understanding can be gained of the perils and machinations of what being a secret agent in France meant. The personal cost, the supreme bravery required and the essential quick wittedness and intelligent planning. A good listen for anyone interested in this complex, nuance often overlooked aspect of the war in Europe.

Insightful, detailed and well researched

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Great story but the French excerpts and accents were unnecessary. A very enjoyable and informative read.

Excellent story

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definitely one of the better books about SOE it's gives great detail about Tony brooks life in SOE and he's circuit in France. it's not outlandish it's believable and but still keeps you interested. you definitely lean alot from this one.

definitely one the better books

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What a fantastic look into a real hero's life. Thank you to the author for all his research and knowledge.

Wonderful insight.

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This is an excellent record of a remarkable man, a hero amongst so many, who deserves to have his name and story become as familiar as other agents’ did. In order to absorb the details better will now order the book for future reference. The author is well aware of the privilege of being invited by Tony B to write his story but clearly this was an honour well-deserved as Mr. Seaman researched thoroughly and wove together the story expertly, doing justice to this particular Undercover Agent and his comrades. So delighted and grateful this book has been written.

Now going to buy the book!

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