Spies of the Airwaves [with] Knowledge strengthens the Arm [with] Enigma and its Achilles Heel
SKILLEN, Hugh
[THE Y SERVICES TRILOGY COMPLETE].
THE Y SERVICES TRILOGY COMPLETE; TWO VOLUMES SIGNED
Published: [Privately Printed Pinner], [1989-91-92]
Stock code: 46954
Price: £320.00
3 vols., 8vo., First Edition, with 46 plates on 24, very numerous photographs, facsimiles, maps and diagrams (many full-page) in the text and front and rear endpaper maps (first two volumes) and front endpaper chart (third volume); green cloth, gilt backs, a near fine set in unclipped dustwrapper.
FIRST AND THIRD VOLUMES SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR ON TITLE. The trilogy comprises Spies of the Airwaves (1989), Knowledge strengthens the Arm (1991) and Enigma and its Achilles Heel (1992). Skillen's comprehensive and detailed history of the Y Services is a remarkable personal achievement. The first volume describes how Y provided Allied commanders with regular and accurate intelligence through wireless intercepts. The second volume concentrates on the background to the training of intelligence officers (including a fascinating personal diary of signals exercises and details of the three Germans who made Y victory possible). The final volume stresses the intricacies of the interplay between Y and ULTRA, some elements of which are lost even now in classified secrecy. Privately printed in relatively small numbers, individual volumes are increasingly scarce. Together they comprise an outstanding contribution to the understanding of Y, ULTRA and Enigma throughout WWII. COMPLETE SETS ARE VERY SCARCE.