Churchill's Shadow Raiders: The Race to Develop Radar, World War II's Invisible Secret Weapon

ISBN: 080654063X

Author: Lewis, Damien

Condition: New

From bestselling and award-winning war reporter Damien Lewis and for fans of Erik Larsens The Splendid and Vile and Alex Kershaws The Forgotten 500 comes a thrilling account of one of the most daring raids of WWIIthe true story of the race to stop Hitler from developing a top-secret weapon that would change the course of history."One of the most readable World War 2 history books I have read in years-We Are the MightyIn the winter of 1941, as Britain faced defeat on all fronts, an RAF reconnaissance pilot photographed an alien-looking object on the French coast near Le Havre. The mysterious device-a Wurzburg Dish-appeared to be a new form of radar technology: ultra-compact, highly precise, and pointed directly across the English Channel. Britains experts found it hard to believe the Germans had mastered such groundbreaking technology. But one young technician thought it not only possible, he convinced Winston Churchill that the dish posed a unique and deadly threat to Allied forces, one that required desperate measures-and drastic action . . .Capturing the radar on film had been an amazing coup. Stealing it away from under the noses of the Nazis would be remarkable.So was launched Operation Biting, a mission like no other. An extraordinary snatch-and-grab raid on Germanys secret radar installation, it offered Churchills elite airborne force, the Special Air Service, a rare opportunity to redeem themselves after a previous failed mission-and to shift the tides of war forever. Led by the legendary Major John Frost, these brave paratroopers would risk all in a daring airborne assault, with only a small stretch of beach menaced by enemy guns as their exit point. With the help of a volunteer radar technician who knew how to dismantle the dish, as well as the courageous men and women of the French Resistance, they succeeded against all odds in their act of brazen robbery. Some would die. Others would be captured. All fought with resolute bravery . . .This is the story of that fateful night of February 27, 1942. A brilliantly told, thrillingly tense account of Churchills raiders in their finest hour, this is World War II history at its heart-stopping best.This highly informative book almost reads like a genuine techno-thriller."-New York Journal of BooksA little-known behind-the-lines spectacular led by two heroic British officers.-Kirkus ReviewsAnyone who wants to learn more about the origins of the British Special Forces should read this book. It intertwines historical research and eyewitness testimony to tell the untold story of heroism, courage, and ingenuity.-Military PressLewis presents a richly detailed and nail-biting tale.-Library Journal