Operation Archery: The Commandos and the Vaagso Raid 1941 (Raid, 21)

After the fall of France in 1940, and the decimation of its conventional forces, Britain had few ways to strike back at Nazi Germany in Europe. A directive from Churchill to resort to unconventional warfare led to the formation of commando units trained for quick hit-and-run raids. The British raid on Vaagso in occupied Norway in 1941 demonstrated the commando concept was coming of age."Operation Archery" is an Osprey Raid Series book, authored by Ken Ford with the support of three illustrators. The narrative sets the stage for the raid and includes a fairly detailed discussion of its execution by a combined force of Commandos, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and a contingent of Norwegian troops. The text is nicely supplemented by a collection of period photographs and illustrations, and includes an analysis of the effects of the raid.This is an interesting read on what Britain did during the darkest days of the Second World War to keep the Germans off balance. It is a very-British centric presentation, and places heavy emphasis of the fact of striking back, even at a significant cost in casualties among the commandos. Recommended to students of the conflict as an introduction to commando special operations.

Execution of plan needed better tri-service support, especially air and navy

Good book. Details and amphibious assault from the strategic to the tactical and then follows through with the actual combat and the consequences that resulted from the operation. I enjoy this type of detail, but the book is written at a level that is easy to understand even for Jr. high children. The maps pictures and charts are a great touch and really bring the operation to life. Because of all this, I have bought two other books like it. The book has enough material that the whole operation can be easily adapted to tabletop wargames.

This is one more addition to an excellent well illustrated series of books on specific operations during the second world war. It specifically refers to a time when Britain stood alone in Europe and had to show an initiative by these small Combined Operation raids to keep the Home Front morale positive.

The author would have served as a better historian, if he had left off the political claptrapp of how evil the "Nazis" were and concentrated on the training and execution of the raid. We are old enough to decide what we think of World War Two, and whose side we are on. I am not in need of a stern lecture. If he wants to think how great Churchill was, maybe he was unaware Winston wanted to sow Germany with anthrax!

Fascinating account of England's unconventional fight with the Germans in the early years of WWll as the war was clearly going Hitler's way.

A vital part in the WW2 history of Norway.Whilst not a decisive battle it forms a part of the overall picture of the Norwegian campaign.A great book for those interested in Norwegian WW2 history.

It was a well written account of one of the early actions of the British Commandos.If you're interested in WW2 special forces history, this is one book to buy. You won't be disappointed.

I expected better from this author. His previous work was of a much better standard. Too much artwork and too light on details.

The book is well written with numerous photographs and illustrations. A must for anyone interested in the Commandos in general and, more specifically, the SOE in Norway.

A great read and quality illustrations, accounting the action of this military operation. I bought this book after my Dad had really enjoyed reading another by Ken Ford.

Really good photo's, decent illustrations (although the maps over two pages are the usual farce) and an excellent text here; just whgat the Raid series is all about and well done for featuring something a teeny bit less obvious; top marks!

A very detailed analysis of this ground breaking operation . I am particularly interested as my father was sent on this raid by accident and wounded . He was posted to the Commando Unit as a Mechanic to service their vehicles but ended up as part of it . The army term is I believe " SNAFU " - no change there .