Product Description

Tommy Yeo-Thomas showed gallantry and daring in occupied France, winning the MC and the George Cross, but he was eventually betrayed. He survived torture - eventually in Buchenwald - but never revealed his secrets to the Nazis. This biography was written with the co-operation of his partner.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #703715 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
This is an unusually lively biography of an incomparable man. 'Tommy' Yeo-Thomas, GC, born in London but brought up in France, went to France by parachute during the war against Hitler; was caught on his third mission while trying to rescue a friend; was tortured and sent to Buchenwald; and escaped. Seaman has got inside both his character and the fearful intricacies of life among the leaders of the resistance. A fine and humane book. Review by M R D FOOT Editor's note: MRD Foot himself fought in World War II, and was wounded. He taught at Oxford and his books include The Oxford Companion to the Second World War. (Kirkus UK)

Customer Reviews

The title is no misnomer!
This book deserves to be on the curriculum of every school in the Western World for it delineates in merciless detail just what was the price of the freedoms we take so much for granted today and what the much-devalued word "hero" actually means. One hopes that similar sacrifices will never be required again by the ordinary citizens of free nations, but if they are, the courage, self-sacrifice and indomitability of Yeo-Thomas and so many others whose lives, and often also deaths, are touched on here will serve as an example and as an inspiration. Mr.Seaman tells the story of a man, ordinary in many ways, who, when confronted with absolute evil, and at an age when serving in a less active role would have evoked no disgrace, never hesitated to accept missions of the utmost danger. He proved the ideal combination of organiser, diplomat and man of action before capture and in detention proved an inspiring leader for his companions in misery. He was under no illusions as to the consequences of arrest by a barbarous enemy and when the worst happened he endured unspeakable suffering under interrogation, torture and slave-labour in concentration camps. Throughout all this his dedication to victory never failed and even in the squalid hell of Buchenwald he continued to resist. The most moving moment detailed in the book is when Yeo-Thomas, a filthy scarecrow in striped concentration-camp uniform, is recognised in a regular POW camp to which he has been sent on menial errands, and a group of British NCOs and men stand to attention before him, honouring him for a few moments before he returns to the abyss. Though Yeo-Thomas was assiduous in supporting prosecution of his tormentors after the war, his fairmindedness was such that he was willing to rise to the defence of Otto Skorzeny, whom he considered an honourable foe. This book is not only inspiring in itself, but it provides much more detail than the earlier "The White Rabbit" on Yeo Thomas's earlier life, and on the organisation of the French Resistance. Those who enjoy it will be equally impressed, and touched, by Rita Kramer's "Flames in the Field", which tells the stories of four women agents who did not survive wartime missions in France. My own daughters have been inspired by both books and they would make ideal and inspirational birthday gifts for young persons.

An excellent account of the escapades of a true war hero.
This is a compelling, often harrowing and totally humbling account of a man who put his country and countrymen before all else, risking his life on numerous occasions for the good of the allied efforts in occupied France during the Second World War. Another excellent and fascinating book, "Between Silk & Cyanide - a codemaker's war 1941-45" by Leo Marks (ISBN 0 00 653063 X) interlaces with the Yeo-Thomas story and gives an insight into the use of codes by SOE during the fight to liberate Europe.

excellent story - well written
an amazing story with many areas of interest.informative and well written, an enjoyable read. recommend highly.