Agent Paterson Soe: From Operation Anthropoid to France: The Memoirs of E.h. Van Maurik

Ernest Van Maurik, known to all simply as 'Van', joined the illustrious Artists Rifles regiment in the Territorial Army in 1936, but when war broke out he was commissioned into the Wiltshire Regiment.

In the summer of 1940 the regiment was posted at Folkstone to defend the South Coast in the event of an invasion.

He undertook a course at Hythe Small Arms School and found himself involved with the SOE, the Special Operations Executive.

This led him to Scotland, first to the Commando Training School at Lochailort and then to Arisaig, where he became responsible for helping organise resistance to the Nazi regime in occupied countries.

This involved the training of prospective agents in small arms, demolition and other special forces activities.

He was then transferred to the SOE's HQ in Baker Street, London.

His next mission was to Switzerland to assist SOE agents in France.