The history of Britain's smallest fighting unit of WW II is fascinating for what it also says about the personality of the author. 'Popski' was a Belgian of Russian parents, in his 40s, working in Cairo when war broke out. That he could persuade the British to let him create an independent 'behind the lines' reconnaissance unit and also be 'delighted' when his hand was blown off shows some of the man's character and complexity.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 45 April 2008 ) |
