Behind the Lines: A Critical Survey of Special Operations in World War II

“…masterfully weaves the myriad nuts and bolts of 23 selected WWII spec ops missions—rich in historical content and military significance—into the contextual fabric of the time and deftly examines the success of each mission based on criteria established by top military writers. Painstakingly researched, meticulously documented, and always readable, Dilley offers incisive, straightforward, and page-turning analysis that informs, educates, and entertains…. With books like Behind the Lines, it is certain that those who dared boldly and who lived at the tip of the spear will always be remembered, and hopefully, men like Mike Dilley will be there to write about them. Read the book! ~Lance Zedric, Newsletter of the Alamo Scouts Historical Foundation

"It is stories such as these that have provided material for the comic strips, novels and films of behind-enemy-lines daring and bravery for more than half a century. Michael F Dilley brings his considerable knowledge to this excellent publication, which will thrill boys, dads and granddads alikeas we approach the seventieth anniversary of the end of WWII. An important addition to the vast library of already published material on special ops groups, one that brings a fresh perspective on their activities and methods. Superb." ~Books Monthly

"Looking at the work of the brave Special Operations personnel during the Second World War, Behind the Lines provides critical reviews of some of the best and worst examples of the time ...passes a magnifying glass over some of the best examples of how Special Operations were successful during the Second World War, and also how they failed. The no-nonsense way in which each case study is presented not only keeps each example short and succinct, it also provides the reader with enough information to picture each scenario in their mind’s eye." ~Defence Focus

"...interesting work outlining the role of Special Operations in the execution of tasks during World War II...high production value book that sheds light on a number of units and missions that have faded from collective memory" ~Military History Monthly

"...even when dealing with operations and units with which we might think we are familiar, Dilley gives us new perspectives, new insights and new and often fascinating details...a very good read." ~Sentinel

"...Dilley brings to the fore several important ideas. For example, one-of-a-kind formations such as the British special reconnaissance unit known as Popski’s [Private] Army and the American Alamo Scouts inspired some aspects of what is now understood as strategic reconnaissance. This book is useful in understanding one important aspect of the development of special operations forces: training to explicit tasks. Dilley specifically assesses cases that required specialized training and, often, specialized conditions for rehearsal." ~ARMY

"The author tells at times a very spellbinding story followed by the strength of the book – a mission critique. The mission critique show Michael F. Dilley’s strong military intelligence analysis skills...gets my highest praise for this much needed work on a subject dear to every world war history buff." ~Kepler’s Military History

"useful as an introduction to the multiplicity of special forces units that fought in World War II and their varied missions." ~Naval Historical Foundation

"...an entertaining and informative addition to any World War II library" ~The Journal of America’s Military Past

"I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author was willing to make positive judgments, in some cases on entire organizations. Often 'critical surveys' are overwhelmingly negative, but here the author uses the full meaning of 'critical'  as an analysis of something's merits and faults. That makes this a very interesting book, providing a balanced view of the activities of the many and varied Special Forces units of the Second World War, giving clear reasons for both their successes and their failures." ~History of War

"...written in the easy and confident style of a man with a military and intelligence background, a boon to students and general readers. The inclusion of special operations of different nationalities is laudable, as is the widening of purview beyond raiding operations alone. Dilley also avoids the pitfall of proclaiming special operations to be a decisive, war-winning weapon." ~Michigan War Studies Review