WW2 SOE/Resistance Key with concealed message paper. With written message.

WW2 SOE/Resistance Skeleton Key with concealed message paper. 

Operating in plain sight, the key would have either been passed between operatives, or resistance members who worked in factories in occupied countries, or left in a door lock by an agent and removed by a second agent who would unscrew the end of the key remove the message and act on the message. Interestingly the paper has a message written on it! See pictures.

The key is in excellent condition and measures 7cm x 2cm.

A super rare WW2 item from the British SOE.

USA, Canada and overseas customers please email vigomilitaria@gmail.com before trying to purchase.

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.