Conversations over the Airwaves ... and the deception transmissions that hoodwinked the enemy : The extraordinary life of Major Rowland 'Rowley' Shears, BEM, TD, G8KW

Rowley Shears (G8KW) was best known for his radio communications work, particularly in the amateur radio world for which he developed and manufactured the KW Electronics brand of equipment. There is, however, an interesting untold story about his extraordinary experiences during WW II after he was posted to Egypt as part of the Royal Corps of Signals. From 1941, he also started to work for the British Intelligence services in Cairo and under the watchful eye of Colonel Dudley Clarke, he entered the world of deception which saw him posing as a German agent and being awarded the Iron Cross for his efforts. As Rowley commented about that award - "The award was not the end of operation 'Cheese', in fact I became even more involved". This biography, by his elder son Richard, which covers Rowley's lifetime work in the world of radio communications also provides an insight into the world of the intelligence services in the Middle East during WW II and includes the tale of the unique circumstances which lead to that particular award. This book will be of special interest to amateur radio enthusiasts and those who are interested in deception plots and the Second World War in the Middle East.