
Codename Xavier
The Story of Richard Heslop, One of SOE's Greatest Agents
Richard Heslop(Author)
Biteback Publishing
Will be published approx. on 9. July 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-84954-713-0 (ISBN)
Description
Colonel Richard Heslop, alias Xavier, was one of Britain's Greatest Special Operations agents in France. Ingeniously orchestrating resistance groups and ruthlessly sabotaging German operations, Xavier played a crucial role in Allied espionage during the war, from late 1942 right through to D-Day. Sent to France in the middle of the conflict, he delicately balanced clandestine missions and dangerous wartime operations on a daily basis, yet his name barely gets a mention in the accounts of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), making this insight all the more fascinating. It is clear that Xavier's role was like no other. It was a job that involved frequent encounters with the terrifying possibilities of capture, torture and death; it was a job where a careless whisper could deliver a man into the hands of the Gestapo; and it was a job that involved acts of sabotage, espionage, theft, and sometimes even murder. Xavier is a dramatic and compelling account of courage and endurance in the face of a merciless enemy - the true story of one of Britain's greatest secret agents. The best collection of military, espionage, and adventure stories ever told.
The Dialogue Espionage Classics series began in 2010 with the purpose of bringing back classic out-of-print spying and espionage tales. From WWI and WWII to the Cold War, D-Day to the SOE, Bletchley Park to the Comet Line this fascinating spy history series brings you the best stories that should never be forgotten.
The Dialogue Espionage Classics series began in 2010 with the purpose of bringing back classic out-of-print spying and espionage tales. From WWI and WWII to the Cold War, D-Day to the SOE, Bletchley Park to the Comet Line this fascinating spy history series brings you the best stories that should never be forgotten.
Reviews / Votes
'The story is alive with the high-tension of clandestine warfare, and it is distinguished by an intelligence and natural authority exceptional in books of this kind.' Sunday Telegraph 'A well-written, unemotional account - one recognises the human being under the professional agent.' The Guardian 'This modest and gripping account highlights the contribution of a man whose wartime role has largely been overlooked.' Good Book GuideMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Weight
350 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84954-713-0 (9781849547130)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
07/2014
Biteback Publishing
€4.00
Available for download
Person
Colonel Richard Heslop, codenamed Xavier, was one of Britain's greatest special operations agents in France, organising resistance groups to sabotage German operations from late 1942 right through to D-Day.