Letting the Side Down

by Sean Murphy

This is the fascinating story of a collection of misfits and renegades who came from all walks of life and different social backgrounds, but who all had one thing in common. During the Second World War they chose to reject their country and follow the path of treason through collaboration with the Axis powers. Altogether, about two hundred British citizens were under investigation for assisting the Axis powers. Using the case studies of the individuals concerned, Sean Murphy uncovers the reasons for their treacherous activities, describes how they collaborated with the enemy, and come the end of the war he explores their respective fates. The stories of some of the more notorious traitors like William Joyce (Lord Haw-Haw) and P.G. Wodehouse are already well-known - and they are included here - but also included are some of the lesser known but equally treacherous individuals. For example, Duncan Scott-Ford, a Scottish Merchant seaman, who sold information to the Germans about convoy movements; Theodor Schurch, born in London of Swiss parents, who joined the British Army but agreed to work for Italian Intelligence; and Harold Cole, who infiltrated Allied escape lines in Europe and betrayed between 100 and 150 British and French agents to the Germans.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2004

Reviews

[Alan Draycott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting stories of British traitors in world war 2. It is perhaps surprising now to think that there was a sizable and not unreasonable body of people who thought that there was an alternative to war. The case isn't made out here but many of the traitors did believe that, mind many were just opportunistic. King Edward was particularly disgraceful. Readable .