HISTORY This Week Operation Mincemeat Revisited | Episode + Bonus Interview with Natasha Hodgson
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Jul 10, 2025 Natasha Hodgson, co-creator and star of the Broadway musical inspired by a WWII deception, brings the tale of Operation Mincemeat to life. Historian Nicholas Reed sheds light on the elaborate scheme involving a corpse and a false identity that misled the Nazis in a pivotal moment of the war. They discuss how this ingenious operation not only ensured the success of the Allied invasion of Sicily but also inspired a unique theatrical adaptation. Hear how personal touches and creative challenges brought this remarkable story to the stage.
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Unexpected Photo Solution
- The photo on the fake ID card belonged to Nicholas Reed's father, who unknowingly became part of the deception.
- Montague found him by chance, solving a crucial problem for the operation.
Deception's Life-saving Role
- Even top military leaders knew the Germans expected the Sicily invasion but hoped deception would reduce casualties.
- Operation Mincemeat aimed to mislead Germans about Allied invasion plans, saving lives and resources.
Discovery of the Musical's Subject
- Natasha Hodgson discovered Operation Mincemeat from a podcast during a train trip in Norway and became obsessed.
- She immediately saw its potential as a surprising, twist-filled musical with strong characters.
