Set Europe ablaze: that was Winston Churchill's order to the Special Operations Executive (the SOE), charged with sabotaging and subverting the enemy during World War II. The undercover agents of this elite group blew up special targets, armed and trained the Resistance, acted as political advisors, and all too frequently gave their lives in the most terrible circumstances. Detested by its rivals--and even in parts of Whitehall--it had free rein to create mayhem. But, the critical role played by these brave men and women is now universally recognized, and a former member tells their thrilling and authentic story. With a new introduction by Francis Cammaerts, the former conscientious objector who become one of the most remarkable SOE agents of all.