Spybrary Spy Podcast

In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews Liza Mundy, author of "Code Girls" and "The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women and the CIA". Mundy discusses the often overlooked contributions of women to the CIA, highlighting the challenges they faced due to gender biases. She shares stories of women who played crucial roles in intelligence gathering and analysis, including Lisa Harper, the first female division chief at the CIA. Mundy also explores the moral dilemmas faced by women in the CIA post 9/11 and the lessons learned from their experiences. It's time you came in from the cold. Join our Spybrary Readers Community today!

Mission France tells the full story of the thirty-nine female SOE agents who went undercover in France. We interview the author, historian Dr. Kate Vigurs to find out more.

On today's Spybrary, host Shane Whaley sat down with Lt. Col. Tim Spicer OBE, author of A Suspicion of Spies: Risk, Secrets and Shadows – The Biography of Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale. The book offers a glimpse into the life of this iconic British spy. Drawing upon years of research, Spicer's biography explores the remarkable life of a man who navigated the treacherous world of espionage, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Early Life and Introduction to Espionage:

Born in Odessa in 1899, Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale's life was marked by adventure from a young age. Spicer highlights Dunderdale's multilingual upbringing, fluent in English, Russian, French, Polish, and German, as a key asset in his future espionage career. By 16, Dunderdale was already immersed in naval studies in St. Petersburg, hinting at a future intertwined with maritime affairs.

At the tender age of 17, Dunderdale found himself at the helm of an Imperial Russian submarine. In a daring maneuver, he engaged and sank five German ships, an act of valor that earned him the prestigious Order of St. Stanislav and the Order of St. Anne, the highest military honors bestowed by Tsar Nicholas II. This early display of courage and strategic thinking foreshadowed Dunderdale's future successes in the world of espionage.

A Career Forged in Conflict:

Dunderdale's exceptional language skills paved the way for his recruitment by British Naval Intelligence in 1918. During this time, he conducted numerous intelligence operations in Crimea, distinguishing himself with two Mentions-in-Despatches and a military MBE for his role in suppressing a Bolshevik mutiny aboard the submarine 'Outka'.

The Rise of a Spymaster:

In 1921, Dunderdale's talents caught the Secret Intelligence Service's (SIS) attention, leading to his posting in Constantinople. His responsibilities expanded to encompass intelligence work in Turkey, the Caucasus, and Southern Russia, further solidifying his reputation within the intelligence community.

Dunderdale's meteoric rise within the SIS culminated in his appointment as Head of Station in Paris in 1926, at the remarkably young age of 26. This achievement marked him as the youngest SIS Head of Station ever, a testament to his exceptional abilities and the trust placed in him. In Paris, he collaborated closely with the French Deuxième Bureau, focusing on anti-Bolshevik and, increasingly, anti-Nazi operations.

Crucial Contributions to World War II:

One of Dunderdale's most significant contributions to the Allied war effort was his involvement with the Enigma machine. Working in conjunction with Polish and French intelligence, he played a key role in the development and understanding of this crucial German encryption device. Notably, Dunderdale facilitated the smuggling of the first Enigma machine to Bletchley Park just before the outbreak of World War II. This daring act provided Allied codebreakers with a critical advantage, enabling them to decipher German communications and significantly contributing to the Allied victory.

Throughout World War II, Dunderdale maintained a vast and effective intelligence network in France, gathering invaluable information on German U-boat operations, Normandy's coastal defenses, and the development of V1 and V2 rockets. These intelligence coups proved instrumental in both the D-Day landings and the broader Allied war effort.

A Legacy of Espionage and Intrigue:

Dunderdale's postwar activities remained shrouded in secrecy. However, his influence continued to be felt in the shadowy world of espionage. Spicer's biography sheds light on Dunderdale's involvement in clandestine operations behind the Iron Curtain, his role in the Suez Crisis, and his connection to the "Buster Crabbe" affair.

The Bond Connection:

Dunderdale's life story reads like something straight out of a spy novel or 'like Commando comics' says Spybrary Host Shane Whaley. Biffy's long friendship with Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, has fueled speculation about Dunderdale's influence on the iconic character. Many believe that Dunderdale, with his taste for adventure, his network of informants, and his deep understanding of the world of espionage, served as a key inspiration for the suave and resourceful James Bond.

Unveiling a Shadowy Figure:

Lt. Col. Tim Spicer's A Suspicion of Spies offers a captivating look into the life of one of Britain's most enigmatic and influential spies. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Spicer brings Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale out of the shadows, revealing a man who dedicated his life to serving his country in the most clandestine of ways. The biography stands as a testament to Dunderdale's unwavering commitment to his duty, his extraordinary co...

Welcome to Spybrary, the podcast for spy book enthusiasts! In today's episode, we are diving into the world of WW2 spy books with author Alex Gerlis.

In this episode of Spybrary we talked about the inspiration behind each book in Alex Gerlis most recent Wolf Pack series. From the events of Pearl Harbor to the Allied bombing of the Ruhr, to the butcher of Lyon, and even to German football, Alex's novels delve into significant historical events yet still offer readers a thrilling World War Two spy thriller. Alex's thorough research and commitment to historical accuracy make his novels a must-read for anyone interested in this era.

Got a question for Alex? He is a member of our Spybrary Online Community and is always open to answering readers questions.

Alex Gerlis was a BBC journalist for nearly thirty years and is the author of eleven Second World War spy books, these espionage books are all published by Canelo.

His first four novels are in the acclaimed Spy Masters series, including the best-selling The Best of Our Spies. Prince of Spies was published in March 2020 and was followed by three more in the Prince series. His latest series is the Wolf Pack novels, with Agent in Berlin the first of which was published in November 2021

Welcome to the first episode of Section F - our Spy Movie track on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Our handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favorite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into the classic film 'The Third Man,' discussing its plot, rewatchability, and notable moments. The music and cinematography of the film are also explored. Meet Your Section F - Spy Film Hosts. Jonathan Melville Michael Huie Eric Newsom Steve Lichtman Producer: Shane Whaley The question of whether 'The Third Man' can be considered a spy movie is debated, with the moral ambiguity and themes of betrayal being highlighted. The influence of real-life spy Kim Philby on the story is examined, and the charm and complexity of the character Harry Lime are discussed. The iconic Ferris wheel scene and its cinematography are analyzed. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their pitches for why someone should watch 'The Third Man.' In this episode, the hosts discuss Carroll Reed's trilogy of films, including Odd Man Out, The Fallen Idol, and The Third Man. They highlight the unique elements of The Third Man, such as the untranslated German dialogue and the suspenseful scene with the child pointing at the murderer. The hosts also recommend other films for fans of The Third Man, such as The Spy in Black, Berlin Express, and Cornered. They mention books like The Prague Coup and Night Falls on the City that provide further immersion into the post-war Vienna setting. Lastly, they suggest a double feature of Casablanca and The Third Man as bookends to the themes discussed. What do you think about the Third Man? Come and share your take in our Spybrary Community!