Spymaster: The Man Who Saved MI6

Thomas Kendrick was a British intelligence officer who played a significant role in World War II. He ran spy networks across Europe, facilitated the escape of Austrian Jews, and set up the "M Room." His life sheds light on the development of MI6 and his character as the epitome of the "English gent."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

The remarkable story of a man who stood at the center of British intelligence operations, the ultimate spymaster of World War II: Thomas Kendrick.

"A remarkable piece of historical detective work. . . . Now, thanks to this groundbreaking book, the result of years of meticulous research and expert analysis, Kendrick's role as one of the great spymasters of the twentieth century can be revealed." — Saul David, Daily Telegraph.

Thomas Kendrick (1881–1972) was central to the British Secret Service from its beginnings through to the Second World War. Under the guise of "British Passport Officer," he ran spy networks across Europe, facilitated the escape of Austrian Jews, and later went on to set up the "M Room," a listening operation that elicited information of the same significance and scope as Bletchley Park. Yet the work of Kendrick, and its full significance, remained largely unknown.

Helen Fry draws on extensive original research to tell the story of this remarkable British intelligence officer. Kendrick's life sheds light on the development of MI6 itself—he was one of the few men to serve Britain across three wars, two of which while working for the British Secret Service. Fry explores the private and public sides of Kendrick, revealing him to be the epitome of the "English gent"—easily able to charm those around him and scrupulously secretive.

Kendrick's career spanned the interwar period, during which he played a key role in shaping British intelligence operations. He was appointed as the head of the Passport Control Section of the Secret Service in 1920, a position that gave him access to sensitive information and allowed him to build a network of spies across Europe.

One of Kendrick's most significant achievements was his role in facilitating the escape of Austrian Jews from **** persecution. In 1938, he established a network of contacts in Vienna and used his position as a passport officer to issue false passports to Jewish refugees. This allowed them to escape to Britain and other safe havens, saving their lives.

Kendrick's work during the Second World War was equally impressive. He was appointed as the head of the Passport Control Section of the Secret Service in 1939, a position that gave him access to sensitive information and allowed him to build a network of spies across Europe.

In 1940, Kendrick was sent to France to establish a network of spies and to coordinate the escape of British officers and soldiers from occupied France. He worked closely with the French Resistance and was instrumental in the rescue of many British personnel.

Kendrick's most significant contribution to British intelligence during the Second World War was his establishment of the "M Room," a listening operation that intercepted communications between Germany and its allies. The "M Room" was set up in a former cinema in London and was staffed by a team of highly skilled operators.

The "M Room" was able to intercept a vast amount of information, including military plans, diplomatic communications, and intelligence reports. This information was critical in the planning of the D-Day landings and the subsequent prosecution of the war.

Kendrick's work during the Second World War was not without controversy. Some critics accused him of being too close to the French Resistance, which was seen as a threat to British security. Others accused him of being too willing to compromise British intelligence operations in order to save the lives of British personnel.

Despite these criticisms, Kendrick's contributions to British intelligence during the Second World War were undeniable. He was a skilled operator and a dedicated servant of his country. His work during the war helped to save countless lives and to ensure that Britain was able to defeat **** Germany.

In conclusion, Thomas Kendrick was a remarkable British intelligence officer who played a key role in shaping British intelligence operations during the interwar period and the Second World War. His work in facilitating the escape of Austrian Jews and his establishment of the "M Room" were instrumental in the prosecution of the war. Kendrick's life sheds light on the development of MI6 and the role that intelligence played in shaping the course of history.

Dimension: 197 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300266979