Preserving the Flame

OPERATION LOYTON in the Vosges Mountains in August 1944, planned by Special Forces H.Q., proved to be a disaster. It was, “wrong time, wrong place”, for many of the men of 2 SAS and SOE Jedburgh team “Jacob”. In July 1944 the actions of a few hot-heads in the French Resistance brought significant numbers of extra German troops to the area so that, by August 13th, when the advance party of “Operation Loyton” parachuted into the mountains, the hills were alive with German Commando groups. This is a story of courage, betrayal and the unlikely friendship which blossomed between a German officer, sentenced to death by the Nazis, and six British prisoners held at Schirmeck camp. REVIEWS: “A compelling, chilling account of a dark page in the clandestine war; an authentic, well researched document. It is highly recommended”. Historian Nigel West writing in “Global War Studies” (December 2009). “The massacre and the resultant investigation of the murders form the basis of a superb book by Colin Burbidge, nephew of murdered officer Captain Victor Gough SOE”. Historian Andrew Roberts writing in the Daily Express (28th November 2009). “Intense, detailed research into a rare corner of Occupied France in 1944. A fascinating insight into a complex wartime human tragedy”. Major General Sir Michael Carleton-Smith CBE, MBE (May 2009)

"The massacre and the resulting investigations form the basis of a superb book by Colin Burbidge, nephew of murdered officer Captain Gough SOE" --historian Andrew Roberts in "Daily Express" 28th Nov 2009

"A slim, but intense volume of detailed research into a rare corner of post D Day occupied France. A fascinating insight into a complex wartime human tragedy" . --Major General Sir Michael Carleton-Smith CBE,MBE (May 2009)

"A compelling, chilling account of a dark page in the clandestine war; an authentic, well-researched document, it is highly recommended." --Nigel West writing in "Global War Studies" (Dec 2009)

"The massacre and the resulting investigations form the basis of a superb book by Colin Burbidge, nephew of murdered officer Captain Gough SOE" --Historian Andrew Roberts in "Daily Express" 28th Nov 2009

"A slim, but intense volume of detailed research into a rare corner of post D Day occupied France. A fascinating insight into a complex wartime human tragedy." --Major General Sir Michael Carleton-Smith CBE,MBE (May 2009)