The Secret War in Italy

This new book provides an excellent account of the war in Italy and the role of the special forces in supporting the conventional land campaign, with particular reference to the last operational airborne combat drop of World War 2 - Operation Herring.

The fact that the Italians had formed two governments - one backing the Allies and one a puppet German government - meant that a secret war was vital to the Allied conventional forces, with partisans, the SAS, SOE (Special Operations Executive) and the US OSS (pre-cursor to the CIA) all playing important roles. The climax came in April 1945 when the Allies planned an offensive to end the Italian campaign and decisively finish the war in Italy. Although lasting 72 rather than the anticipated 36 hours, Operation Herring was considered a success, and owed much to the involvement of the secret forces.

This audacious and daring action did presage the end of the Italian campaign and the war in Italy, but until now little has been written about this, and other secret operations, on the Italian front. This new treatment will therefore be fascinating reading for all with an interest in the less-well-covered campaigns and secret units of the conflict.