Shuttlecock

[22]

… Subject: X, Ronald Francis. Home Office, 1950–73. Dismissed: gross misconduct and on medical grounds (alcoholism).

Born, Highgate, London, March 2nd, 1920. Son of William Rycroft.…

And, after a catalogue of unremarkable data concerning family background, upbringing and education:

… Studied (Modern French Literature), Sorbonne, Paris, 1937–9. 1940–44, Officer, Royal Fusiliers. Served, North Africa, Sicily. Attached Special Operations, March 1944. Operating British agent, France (Franche-Comté), June-Oct. 1944. Prisoner of SS (Doubs), Sept. 1944. Liberated by Americans.…