THE BRANCH A History of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch 1883-1983

Hardback. Foreword by Leonard J. Burt. The Special Branch is a unique organisation bridging the gap between British Intelligence and Scotland Yard. It has been variously described as the executive arm of the Secret Service and a political police force. It is the most controversial and misunderstood of all the departments of the Metropolitan Police. The work of Special Branch is secret and its personnel do not court or welcome the interest of outsiders. In this meticulously researched account, the author traces the history of the Branch from its formation in 1883. Its operations and investigations are described in detail: the Fenian bombings of the Victorian era; the German espionage networks of the Great War; the Communist trials of the 1920s; the IRA attacks and Soviet spy cases of 'modern' times. This is the first time the methods and officers of the Special Branch are documented in full - the successes and the failures, the coups and the scandals. The book covers a century of history. Illus., Commanders of the Special Branch and Commissioners of the Metropolis 1883-1983, Special Branch Roll of Honour + Index. 180pp. 8vo. h/back. Vg+ in protected Vg+ dw. Note: the white mks. showing at the top edge of the image are just creases in the protective film.