The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was a British organization formed during World War II in 1940. Its primary mission was to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied Europe. The SOE aimed to support resistance movements and disrupt enemy operations, working closely with local groups to gather intelligence and carry out covert missions. The SOE operated under the direction of the British government and was instrumental in various successful operations throughout the war. It trained agents in skills such as guerrilla warfare and sabotage, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort against the Axis powers, particularly in countries like France and Norway.