Review: Ian Fleming's Commandos

If you look at Ian Fleming purely through the fictional lens of his seminal creation Cdr. James Bond, you might scoff at his comprehension of skullduggery and gadgetry especially watching the 007 movies of the 1960s and 70s. You may also doubt how immersed Fleming was in the world that is said to have inspired him, specifically clandestine warfare of World War II.

Reading Ian Fleming's Commandos leaves no doubt that the flamboyant future author was a fully involved, imaginative nurturer of some of the most unique and unconventional special operations units of the Second World War.

I'll say right up front that Ian Fleming's Commandos is about a near perfect book about military intelligence and special operations set during World War II. With one fist grasping keen eyed academic-style research and the other crafting rousing action befitting adventure fiction, author Nicholas Rankin constructs a superb book.

Ian Fleming's Commandos is the story of 30 Commando/30 Assault Unit, a unique commando troop raised during the early years of World War II. One part soldiers, another part spies, the Royal Marines of 30 Commando were unique threats to the Reich. Their purpose on the battlefield was to exploit and recover Nazi technology, either captured by the team or abandoned by fleeing German forces. They were called " butcher-and-bolt" men.

Their exploits could easily be fiction, but astoundingly they are not. The depth Rankin gets in to 30 Commando is amazing. More astonishing however is Rankin's ability to intertwine broader war-time intrigues and efforts carried out by the British intelligence services. Not only a history of 30 Commando, Ian Fleming's Commandos is also a glimpse into SOE, SIS and the boffins of Bletchley Park . The clandestine services of Great Britain all have a part in this play.

Technology buffs, especially those interested in naval weapons and architecture, advanced war-time electronic development and the advancements of German encryption, especially Enigma machines, will appreciate Ian Fleming's Commandos.

Possibly the most important component of the book is Rankin's ability to write superb detailed thumbnail sketches of specific characters immersed in clandestine warfare of the period. From Admiral John Godfrey (Fleming's model for Bond's boss M) to adventurous soldier 'Sancho' Glanville, you appreciate the bravery and skill exercised by relatively unknown members of the war effort, but would go on to inspire Fleming's Bond universe.

From the gun blasting opening to the life-and-death race for simple slips of Axis paper, Ian Fleming's Commandos is a unique bridge between dense academic and popular non-fiction. A rare feat, as rare as the men of 30 Commando.

 (Ian Fleming's Commandos by Nicholas Rankin was purchased as an e-book by the reviewer)