"An Englishman in Albania" (by D.R. Oakley-Hill)

“The amazing story of a splendid ‘old Albania hand’. He spent 25 years serving King Zog and the British Secret Service.”
Nicholas, Lord Bethell

This book tells of the hold that Albania and its people came to exercise over one Englishman. Colonel Dayrell Oakley-Hill’s memoirs provide a vivid description of the landscape, people and customs of this beautiful country, and the two very different leaders that he came to know well – King Zog and Enver Hoxha.

Dayrell Oakley-Hill returned to the UK in 1955, but never
severed his connections with Albania. Right up to his death in 1985 he was tireless in his efforts to help emigré Albanians, and for many years served as Secretary to the Anglo-Albanian Association.

“Dayrell Oakley-Hill was involved in Albanian affairs for over fifty years, and in his time was the best known authority on the country.....This book will appeal to all friends of Albania, as it is the story of a brave man who had Albania engraved on his heart.”From the Introduction by Colonel David Smiley

"The only published first hand account of the remarkable service to Zog's Albania given by Sir Jocelyn Percy and his group of British Officers. Oakley-Hill also provides the only eye-witness account of the final stages of SOE's doomed plans for the non-communist Albanian resistance of 1940-41. He was a man of great natural charm, liked and respected by his friends. The spirit of independence and desire for adventure that in 1929 drew him to Albania kindled a deep and genuine affection for the country, and lasted a lifetime. Few Britons have been so close to this mysterious and troubled land."
Roderick Bailey