SOE Establishment - Station XV: The Thatched Barn

Station XV was used by the Camouflage Section during the Second World War. Much of the work of this station involved the final equipping of agents who came through the Thatched Barn prior to going to France. Typical of the work was reproducing French clothing which was copied from newspaper photographs, catalogues etc. Maps were hand sewn into silk underwear, agents were made up with false humped backs etc. to enhance their disguise. Strict anonymity was observed. The station was also concerned with the development of original booby traps. Other work included packing hand grenades into tins labelled as fruit.

After the war, the road house was demolished and replaced with Holiday Inn Elstree.

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Source

• Text: Kaj Metz
• Photos: David Hawgood