WW2 SOE/Escape & Evasion Chess piece with hidden compass.

Here we have a cracking piece of espionage and escape and evasion. 
It’s a Bishop chess piece that could have been carried by an SOE Operative as part of a chess set. 
It is the correct size and the felt at the bottom is pulled away to reveal a hidden compass.

It is in fabulous condition as is the compass.

It could also have been sent to Allied POWs in prison camps as part of a chess set.

A super rare item. Do not miss this.

Setting Europe Ablaze.

In June 1940, a new volunteer force - the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - was set up to wage a secret war. Its agents were mainly tasked with sabotage and subversion behind enemy lines. They had an influential supporter in Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who famously ordered them to 'set Europe ablaze!'

SOE's director of operations was Commando officer Brigadier Colin Gubbins whose interest in irregular warfare originated from his service during the Irish War of Independence (1919-21). Gubbins had also been involved in planning to establish a sabotage force to work behind the lines during any German invasion of Britain.

Gubbins’s approach to warfare included blowing up trains, bridges and factories, as well as fostering revolt and guerrilla warfare in enemy-occupied countries.

After completing a gruelling training regime, SOE agents were parachuted into occupied Europe and the Far East to work with resistance movements. Many were serving soldiers, often with Commando training, but others joined directly from civilian life.

Women also joined up. Some were enlisted in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) to disguise their secret work. These were the only women permitted a combat role during the Second World War.