Per Ardua Libertas

Per Ardua Libertas

The British M.I.9 Escape and Evasion Equipment Catalogue

1942

This reprinted edition of Per Ardua Libertas brings this exceptionally rare and historically significant book back into print and makes it available to the widest possible audience.

Per Ardua Libertas, the title of which translates to “Freedom Through Adversity”, was created by British Intelligence Section M.I.9 in 1942 as a catalogue of gadgets and tools designed to aid at-risk Allied service personnel, such as aircrew and special operatives, to evade capture, escape captivity and make it to friendly or neutral territory.

One of the key features of the book is a showcase of various concealed gadgets that were carried and used during the war. These gadgets included items such as silk or tissue paper escape maps, compasses, saws and other tools concealed in everyday civilian and military issue items. Also illustrated in the book are audacious disguises made from military uniform items such as the reversible RAF Service Dress tunic which became a smart civilian blazer, and the flight boots which could be converted into nondescript civilian shoes.

The book was originally published as an internal publication to be presented to US intelligence officers visiting M.I.9 in London in 1942. These US intelligence officers were tasked with learning about and utilising the ideas and techniques of M.I.9 for the US-led MIS-X (Military Intelligence Service – Section X) organisation which undertook similar roles and tasks to M.I.9 in the CBI and SWPA theatres of the Second World War.

In 1942, Per Ardua Libertas was classified as “Most Secret”, highlighting its importance and the sensitive nature of the information it contained.

Original wartime copies of Per Ardua Libertas are exceptionally rare, with a print run believed to be under 100 copies. SOA Books is proud to be able to bring this rare and important work back into print for the modern reader.