Michael Foot CBE served throughout the Second World War and in 1945 was decorated for service with the French Resistance in Brittany. His service included a brief spell as a prisoner of war, which involved several unsuccessful escapes. He then taught at Oxford University for eight years, before going on to become Professor of Modern History at Manchester University. He wrote and edited a number of books, including MI9: Escape and Evasion 1939-1945.