My newest additional side project - Clandestine Classicists
Dan Powers
At first this was a paper/article idea. I Scratched the surface and I now realize it will be multiple papers, and probably a book or two will come of it. I also now know it will be an ongoing sort of historical project over the next several years. But a very fun and fulfilling project!
Forthcoming, 2011-2012
by Dan Powers
Classicists,
(including ancient historians and archaeologists), made significant
contributions to both Allied and Axis war efforts during the 'interwar period'
(1918-1939). At the outbreak of World War Two, a number of the most
recognizable scholars were involved in the "Clandestine" (behind the
front lines) Operations and Actions; things of modern Commandos, Special Operations
Forces, and Covert Intelligence. Particularly in the Special Operations
Executive (British SOE) and Office of Strategic Services (American OSS). These
scholars were tapped for their familiarity with local environment from North
Africa through Europe and into the Middle East.
A list of particularly notable persons include Nicholas GL Hammond, SOE (BSA,
Editor of Oxford Classical Dictionary and Cambridge Ancient History), John
Pendlebury, SOE, Killed In Action Battle of Crete, 1941 (BSA, Knossos) Sir
Ronald Syme British Naval Intelligence (BSA, Belgrade, Ankara) as well as
lesser known scholars as Charles Ferrell Edson OSS (ASCSA, IG X Macedonia). Ian
Fleming, creator of James Bond, British Naval Intelligence during World War
Two.
It is no coincidence that the profession was tapped for its knowledge of local
culture, language, and first hand experience in the very topography they
studied to specifically exploit the weaknesses of various occupation and
invading forces. These exact skills are now the primary focus of years of
extensive training and grooming for modern Special Operations Forces and Covert
Intelligence.
Yet at the close of World War Two, and in some specific cases as the Greek
Civil War (1946-1949) they returned to their academic duties as professors,
historians, archaeologists, and the like.
This project seeks to tell many of these compelling stories of people largely
dedicated to accomplishing bold and daring things of legends. These stories
often highlight the best traits of mankind, showing concern and compassion for
others in need. Their stories are not of the kill as many of the other guy as
possible, but show "thinking people" trying to end the senselessness
of war. They are indeed representative of human interest.
Dan Powers
“It’s not a matter of being afraid or not, it’s about what you do when you ARE afraid”
