This authoritative publication by the official historian, the late Sir Brooks Richards, vividly describes and analyses the clandestine naval operations that took place during World War II. The account has been made possible through Sir Brooks' access to closed government archives, combined with his own wartime experiences and the recollections of many of those involved.
This second volume of a two part set is an account of the clandestine sea transport operations off the southern coast of France, French North Africa and the Adriatic including the operations in Italian and adjacent waters. With the Germans occupying most of France and with much of the rest of mainland Europe in Axis hands, these operations by the 'secret flotillas' in ferrying agents and Allied escapers were vital for keeping open the links with Britain.
In addition to operations off French North Africa this second volume also includes descriptions of operations in the Adriatic around Italy. More than half of the 390 operations in Italian and adjacent waters were carried out by Italian vessels with Italian crews. It was a contribution to the Allied war effort which ought not to be forgotten.