The Spy Who Duped Hitler | From Zero to Hero | Episode 1

Introduction In the premiere episode of "The Spy Who" titled "Duped Hitler | From Zero to Hero | 1," hosted by Raza Jaffrey and Bentley Purchase, listeners are transported into the clandestine world of World War II espionage. The episode delves into the intricate planning and execution of Operation Mincemeat, one of the most audacious deception operations in history that significantly impacted the Allies' invasion strategy against the Axis powers.

Setting the Stage: The Plight of Glyndor Michael The episode opens on January 24, 1943, in King's Cross, London, introducing Glyndor Michael, a destitute man struggling to survive. Homeless and rejected by the army, Michael's desperate situation sets the backdrop for the operation. His death, presumed to be suicide due to rat poison ingestion, piques the interest of Bentley Purchase, a coroner at St. Pancras morgue.

The Discovery At [05:12], Bentley Purchase uncovers Glyndor Michael's death and becomes suspicious of the circumstances, noting the improbability of rat poison leading to a quick death. This curiosity leads him to contact the Military Intelligence Service, hinting at the beginning of a covert mission that could alter the course of the war.

Conceiving Operation Mincemeat The core of the episode revolves around the creation of Operation Mincemeat. In a meeting set three months earlier on October 31, 1942, RAF intelligence officer Charles Cholmondeley and barrister-turned-intelligence officer Ewan Montague propose an elaborate plan to deceive the German forces. They aim to convince the Germans that the Allies will invade Greece and Sardinia instead of Sicily, thereby diverting German troops and resources.

Key Discussion: The Blueprint of Deception Cholmondeley outlines the necessity of planting fake intelligence on a corpse dressed as a British officer:

"What if we plant fake intelligence on a corpse dressed up as a military officer and find a way of making sure it does get into enemy hands?" ([10:45])

Montague, intrigued by the idea, suggests using Operation Trojan Horse, which eventually evolves into Operation Mincemeat. The plan involves sourcing a suitable corpse from the morgue—someone without family ties to prevent public inquiries—and ensuring the fake documents reach German intelligence without suspicion.

Assembling the Team and Crafting the Identity Montague collaborates with Coroner Bentley Purchase to select Glyndor Michael as the ideal candidate. The corpse must appear to have drowned, minimizing visible injuries to prevent detection of poisoning. The team devises a persona for Michael, naming him Major William Martin, a Marine officer with fabricated backstory elements such as an unpaid bill and a romantic engagement, enhancing the credibility of the deception.

Handling Logistics: Transport and Documentation The episode details the logistical challenges of transporting the corpse to Spain via submarine without alerting the crew. Charles Fraser Smith from the Secret Intelligence Service is enlisted to create a specialized thermos flask to keep the body preserved during transit. Additionally, the team meticulously prepares the fake intelligence documents, ensuring they withstand scrutiny by German codebreakers.

Approval from Churchill and Final Preparations In a pivotal scene at [32:25], Colonel John Bevan presents Operation Mincemeat to Prime Minister Winston Churchill in his bedroom, securing the highest level of approval. Churchill emphasizes the operation's potential to save 160,000 Allied lives by misleading Hitler about the invasion plans:

"It's what will help us win the war. The Germans are far too literal to do anything but take it seriously." ([35:11])

With Churchill's endorsement, the operation proceeds despite residual doubts about the Spanish government's potential interference.

Conclusion: The Countdown to Execution As the episode concludes, the team finalizes the preparations for Operation Mincemeat. The corpse of Glyndor Michael is transformed into Major William Martin, complete with authentic documents and personal items to support the false narrative. The meticulous attention to detail underscores the high stakes and the thin line between success and failure in espionage operations.

Notable Quotes

• "Operation Mincemeat is going ahead whether he likes it or not." — Colonel John Bevan to Winston Churchill ([35:11])
• "Our man needs to be in uniform, so it's obvious he's a soldier." — Ewan Montague ([25:30])
• "Dignity in death and all that. It's for the good of your country." — Ewan Montague handling the corpse ([32:25])

Key Takeaways

• Ingenuity in Espionage: Operation Mincemeat exemplifies the innovative strategies employed by intelligence services to outsmart the enemy.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: The successful execution required seamless collaboration between various departments, including MI5, MI6, the Royal Navy, and the Coroner's office.
• High Stakes and Precision: The operation highlights the critical importance of attention to detail and the potential impact on the broader war effort.

Conclusion Episode 1 of "The Spy Who" masterfully reconstructs the planning and initial execution phases of Operation Mincemeat, offering listeners a compelling glimpse into the secretive world of wartime deception. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous research, the episode underscores the pivotal role intelligence operations play in shaping historical outcomes.