True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics MI9 Unmasked, Part 1: Escape and Evasion | WW2
Feb 18, 2025
Helen Fry, a British historian and author, brings to light the secretive world of MI9, focusing on its role in facilitating escapes for Allied POWs during WWII. She shares fascinating anecdotes, like the creation of a chocolate gun for covert operations and the audacious escape from Colditz Castle. Fry highlights the bravery of MI9 operatives and the unique tools they devised, while drawing parallels between these historical heroes and the fictional exploits of James Bond. Prepare for tales of daring rescues and unforgettable characters!
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The Colditz Escape
- Two POWs escaped Colditz Castle disguised as German officers.
- They were the first to ever successfully escape this "impregnable" fortress.
The Price of Pilots
- Britain prioritized recovering downed airmen, not just for their skills, but also due to the high cost of training.
- Each pilot cost £15,000 to train, a substantial sum during wartime.
Clutty's Clever Compasses
- MI9's Q Branch, led by Christopher Clayton Hutton, created tiny compasses hidden in everyday items.
- Hutton, an eccentric inventor, even built a private bunker for his work.