Hitler's Espionage Machine: German Intelligence Agencies and Operations During World War II

Description

An in-depth study of all the varied facets of the Nazi intelligence apparatus ranging from the dreaded Gestapo, the daring Brandenburg battalions through to the SD under the Central Security Service of the Reich. The history of each unit is examined in great detail including its formation, the missions that it carried out and its importance in the war as a whole. Explored is the phenomenon of the fractious rivalry that ran rife throughout the intelligence community and analysis is made on the effect that this had in damaging Germany's intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination, especially the rivalry between Canaris, head of Abwehr and the SS intelligence service. Firsthand accounts from the men who took part in Nazi espionage educates the reader into the mindset of a German agent and the book also shows how vital Hitler's espionage machinery was to him taking power and succeeding in conquering vast swathes of Europe. It also shows how the very same machine ultimately put a nail into the Nazi coffin with poor analysis, costly errors and downright inhumanity.