Secret WW2

For anyone with access to the BBC iPlayer this film is currently available …. “Norway, April 1940. ​​The incredible true story of how 55 tonnes of gold was smuggled out of Norway ​by a group of unlikely resistance fighters ahead of the invading Nazi forces.​“ https://youtu.be/I57IsGn1vIg

As referenced in Leo Marks’ book - Between Silk and Cyanide - the building in London’s Dorset Square occupied by SOE’s RF Section had formerly belonged to the directors of Bertram Mills Circus … “Cyril Bertram Mills, circus director and son of the founder, was one of the best-known and most influential personalities in the country’s entertainment business. “But for forty years, Cyril Mills also pursued a top-secret, wide-ranging career in British intelligence, obtaining the best aerial intelligence on Nazi rearmament for MI6; recruiting GARBO, the best double agent of the Second World War; and working part-time during the Cold War ‘for MI5 or 6 or both without being paid a penny’.”

“A memorial at a top secret World War Two training area in the Highlands has been given a revamp. “The cairn at Kylesku on Loch Cairnbawn, north of Ullapool, remembers 40 men of XII Submarine Flotilla who lost their lives either in training or while on frontline operations. The submariners and divers were specialists in the use of mini, also known as midget, submarines called X-Craft and Chariots ….”

For decades, their work has been hidden from view, their names missing from the history books. Now, a new book is seeking to shine a light on the secret and unacknowledged contributions of female spies who worked for MI6 in the early 20th century, and establish their place in history using previously classified evidence and newly unearthed documents. One of the women, Kathleen Pettigrew, was the most senior secretary in MI6, serving under five MI6 chiefs. There she met Ian Fleming, who – in his first draft of Casino Royale – named Miss Moneypenny “Miss ‘Petty’ Pettaval” ….

More photos from Saturday's plaque unveiling, courtesy of Clive Bassett. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QY3Aeb2HCAx8wYw/ The plaque was unveiled by David Harrison, F Section historian extraordinaire and Admiral Luc Raynal, Defence Attaché at the French Embassy in London. Thank you, both. And extra special thanks to Lazari (property owners) and Henry Robinson of Derwent, London.

Nice to be appreciated - thanks, Clare.