Ian Fleming's Secret War

by Craig Cabell

Overview

While his extravagant and glamorous lifestyle is well known, little has been published concerning Ian Fleming's contribution during the Second World War. In the very early days of the War, Fleming was earmarked by the Director of Naval Intelligence as his 'right hand man'. From the outset he was in the center of events, meeting with key political and military figures as well as those of exceptional intelligence, experience and courage. All this was to give him invaluable background when he came to write the Bond novels. The author has uncovered through official documentation, private papers and contacts the depth of Fleming's work in Naval Intelligence. Fascinating insights of those he worked with and details of covert trips to Europe and North Africa emerge. Fleming was closely associated with 30 Assault Unit, a crack team of Commandos who took the fight to the enemy. The book reveals both the history of 30 AU and Fleming's role.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781598429
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	01/24/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	70,226
File size:	793 KB

About the Author

Craig Cabell is a journalist and author. His works include, in addition to Frederick Forsyth - A Matter of Protocol, The Kray Brothers, Dennis Wheatley - Churchill's Storyteller and VE Day - A Day to Remember (published by Pen & Sword Books).

Table of Contents

Preface viii

Acknowledgements xiii

Dramatis Personae xvi

List of Abbreviations xix

Note on the Text xx

Introduction xxii

1 The Real Ian Fleming 1

2 Room 39 and its Players 8

3 Secret Whitehall 16

4 Operation RUTHLESS 20

5 The Intricacies of Intelligence 26

6 Taking Life Seriously 30

7 Operation GOLDENEYE 34

8 Flight of Fancy 40

9 The Future of USA intelligence 53

10 30 Assault Unit 60

11 Patrick Dalzel-Job Joins in 72

12 A Best Kept Secret 83

13 Towards The End of Duty 87

14 Diamonds Are Forever 93

15 Casino Royale - Fleming's Dream of Secret Service 96

16 The Moonraker Affair 102

17 Love and War 107

Conclusion: Fleming's Secret Service 111

Author's End Note 114

Annexes

A National Archive References 116

B German Indications of Priority 121

C Astrology 123

D SOE Teething Problems 125

E Proposal for Naval Intelligence Commando Unit 127

F Collecting Ian Fleming First Editions 131

Afterword: A Writer Not a Fighter 149

Bibliography 153

About the Author 157

Text Notes 159

Index 178