"During Britain's darkest hour, in 1940, extraordinary measures were necessary for survival. This bleak period of defense against the Axis led to the formation of Combined Operations, a semi-independent unit composed of admirals, generals, and air marshals. It became Britain's offensive team which, in the end, was instrumental in the successful invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy. Here is the complete story of the creation of that unit, beginning with a series of daring raids on the coasts of Norway, France, Africa, and Madagascar. These raids often resulted in great loss of life, but the lessons they taught the command led to dramatic successes. Combined Operations grew up with the war and played a part in the ultimate Allied victory in Europe and also in the Suez campain of 1956"-- From the book jacket.

A tradition of neglect -- Genesis and Exodus -- Lamentations -- New broom -- Expansions and excursions -- Cards on the table: round-up and sledge-hammer -- Trial and error: Madagascar and Dieppe -- In partibus infidelium : North Africa -- Taking up the slack : Casablanca and pre-parations for Siciliy -- Scylla dn Charybdis fall Astern : Sicily and Italy -- A cluster of conferences : Trident, rattle, quadrant -- The dreadful note of preparation -- Starter's orders -- Faith and workds : Normandy and Walcheren -- South-east Asia -- Tria juncta in uno : Port Said, 1956 -- Respice, prospice.