The largest, but least-known of all Britain's elite wartime Commando raiding units, No.10 (Inter-Allied) was recruited from volunteers from many nations who had fled to Britain after their own countries fell to the Nazis. Alongside Poles, Frenchmen, Dutchmen, Belgians and Norwegians, the unit included a small number of remarkably brave German and Austrian refugees. These commandos took part in daring raids, intelligence missions and conventional infantry battles, earning many decorations for gallantry and leadership. Detailing the wartime exploits of these courageous fighters, some of whom went on to form the nucleus of their liberated nations' new special forces, this book gives an insight into a fascinating unit that is often overlooked.

Nick van der Bijl enlisted into the 17/21st Lancers in 1964. In 1967, he re-enlisted into the Royal Dragoons and transferred to the Intelligence Corps soon after the regiment amalgamated with the Blues. For the next 20 years he served in the Intelligence Corps and saw active service in Northern Ireland and, with 3rd Commando Brigade, in the Falklands War. Retiring from the Regular Army in 1989, he worked as a security practicioner in the defence industry and NHS, he was commissioned in 2 Wessex (V) until 1992. An author of several military books and numerous security articles, he is co-founder of Brush Fire Films.