This is a well written and well researched account of three very different SAS operations, combined with an examination of the even more difficult SOE operation led by Major Lett, and is a useful contribution to the literature on the war in Italy and on the SAS.

Historyofwar.org

This well researched and readable book recounts the stories of Operation SPEEDWELL 2, GALIA, BRAKE 2, and BLIMEY, all carried out by members of 2 SAS in Tuscany. These are amongst the lesser known, and therefore less documented, of our wartime operations, and this book successfully redresses the balance. They were diverse in planning, nature, support and execution, and therefore are the subject of interesting and of objective comparison.

Brian Lett is well placed to write such a book: Being the son of Major Gordon Lett DSO, the SOE British Liasion Officer who initiated and sponsored Operations GALIA and BRAKE 2, and hwo was responsible for the area of Italy concerned, Brian Lett has the personal and in-depth knowledge of the background, the personalities, and of the terrain involved. As someone who organised two permanent Memorials in Italy commemorating membersw of SPEEDWELL murdered after capture he can also safely be called a friend of the Regiment. This book in itself, highlighting their fate, serves as a further memorial to them and also to the men who survived.

In addition, the author draws attention to the situation in which the average Italian found himself at the time, and to just how much help the local population gave to the SAS. These operations would certainly have been a lot less successful without it. By naming names the author has assured that finally lasting credit is given where credit is due.

To coincide with the publication of this book Pen & Sword are republishing Gordon Lett's own account as ' Rossano - A Valley in Flames'.

Mars and Minerva

A good read for anyone who wants to know more about the WW2 actions of the SAS.

WW2 Connection.com