Special Operations Executive

The Special Operations Executive (SOE) had been formed in 1940 to encourage resistance in Occupied countries. Using the cover name of the 'Inter-Services Research Bureau', it recruited its first members from the public school networks in the city, but soon accepted military personnel and civilians from all walks of life.

The head of the French Section (known as F Section) was Maurice Buckmaster, whose small team was based at SOE's headquarters at 64 Baker Street. Between 1941 and 1944, F Section sent more than 400 men and women into France to work undercover and sabotage Germany's war effort.

Passing through a series of special training schools based at requisitioned stately homes and country estates, SOE's agents were trained in all aspects of guerrilla warfare and clandestine life. With his background in radar technology, Harry was chosen for the especially dangerous role of wireless operator, a job with an average life expectancy of just six weeks.

In order to pass as a French citizen, he was given the false identity of 'Henri Chevalier'. All clothing, money and personal documents had to appear completely genuine, as the smallest detail could give an agent away.

Paired with a Mauritian organiser, Claude de Baissac, Harry's mission brief was to begin a new circuit called SCIENTIST in Bordeaux, which could disrupt enemy naval activity and sabotage other important local targets.

Maurice Buckmaster,
head of SOE's F Section

Captain Peulevé after
joining SOE, 1942