The Special Operation Executive (SOE)

When people think of stereotypical spies, usually they are suave and sexy, and their lives are exciting adventures where the y always win and get the girl. This image of a spy comes from movies, TV shows, and books. In reality, spies work for a government or other organizations by secretly collecting information about enemies or competitors. Although the majority of the spies were discovered, they have helped countries win wars. During World War II, spies were sent to Germany and Japan to get secrets about the enemy, such as communication codes or plans for advancement. Spies were also sent from Germany and Japan to the United States. Spies were hidden as soldiers, commanders, and saboteurs. Although British spies determination had

The organization was formed form the merge of three existing secret departments. After Germany annexed Austria in March 1938, the Foreign Office created a propaganda organization known as Department EH ( Electro House) run by Sir Campbell Stuart. Later, the Secret Intelligence Service ( SIS) formed a section known as Section D, under Major Lawrence Grand, to investigate the usage of sabotage, propaganda, and other ideas to weaken an enemy. The same year, the War Office expanded an existing research department known as GS and appointed Major J.C. Holland, as its head in order, to conduct research into guerilla warfare. GS was renamed MI in early 1939. SOE operated in all countries including former countries that were occupied or attacked by the Axis forces. It also made use of neutral territory on occasion, or made plans and preparations in case neutral countries were attacked by the Axis Powers. The organization directly employed or controlled just over 13,00 people, about 3,200 of whom were women. There was a four-stage plan in the training of prospective agents of the SOE. This includes the Preliminary school, Paramilitary school, finishing schools, and the “Drop

These schools manage to unlock the potential of agents to the SOE. If at Preliminary school the trainee was due unsuitable they would be sent to the cooler at Inverlair and encouraged to forget what they learned about the SOE. Paramilitary training was the next step for those who passed preliminary school. Paramilitary training included more physical training, silent killing, weapon handling, demolition, map reading, compass work, field craft, elementary Morse, and raid tactics. The paramilitary schools were based at ten shooting lodges in Arisaig and Morar areas, and the courses lasted up to five weeks. Nationalities were separated by housing and remained that