The undercover campaign of the Special Operations Executive in the Balkans during World War II was of great significance to the Allies. The campaign involved constant movement and activity, severe hardship and privation, and ever-present danger from the Axis troops as the SOE established relations with partisan forces and sought to establish control of a complex and vital theatre of war. This insider's description of the SOE's foundation and structure is coupled with accounts of many of its wartime missions.

Sir Peter Wilkinson served under the legendary Major General Sir Colin Gubbins in the Auxiliary Units and SOE. He commanded the Special Force (SOE) from 1943-45. He joined the Diplomatic Service and served in Vienna, Washington and Bonn and was Ambassador in Saigon and Vienna. In 1972 he became Coordinator of Intelligence at the Cabinet Office.