Everyone knows that radar was a British invention that enabled them to survive the Blitz. But radar was not just a British monopoly. The Germans had their own radar sets that were used with success against British bombers. And the British were keen to get their hands on a set which is the gist of Damien Lewis' Churchill's Shadow Raiders.
Lewis focuses on two Special Airborne Services (SAS) operations. The first, Operation Colossus was launched in February 1941 to take out an aqueduct that supplied the Italian naval base of Taranto. Thirty-five SAS troopers parachuted into Italy, managed to severely damage the aqueduct, and escaped into the countryside. But, due to an unfortunate bomber crash, their escape route was compromised and they were eventually all caught. The follow-up aerial recon failed to show the damage that had happened, so the high command considered Colossus a failure.
Operation Biting was launched a year later in February 1942 for the purpose of grabbing a German radio direction finding device. Biting was much more ambitious with SAS troopers descending from the skies, seizing the device, fighting their way to the coast, and being snatched off the beach by motor gun boats.
However, Lewis offers more than the details of the operations. He provides context, background, and the exciting story of scientists, SOE operatives, and French Resistance fighters that made the operations possible. Also, Lewis provides an understanding of what was accomplished and the part these operations played in the larger conflict along with a briefing on what happened to the participants afterwards. So if you want a thrilling WWII read, do pick up Churchill's Shadow Raiders!
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