On 5 August 1941, at the end of his court martial, Josef Jakobs was handed the verdict of the court, likely in a sealed envelope. He took the envelope back to his cell at Wandsworth Prison. Did he open it immediately upon his return, or sit and stare at it. Given that he was still […]
How Josef Jakobs’ Death Verdict Was Lost to History Read More »
Several years ago, I came across Harm Knol Bruins in the Guy Liddell diaries. His story intrigued me and I dug deeper. How had a Dutchman, caught with a wireless transmitter, managed to escape the hangman’s noose? More to the point, why had his wife—complicit in his crimes—been shot by firing squad, while he survived?
Espionage and Execution in 1940: Anna Lilian von Vaupel-Klein Read More »
For the longest time (at least as early as 2012), the Imperial War Museum in London had a permanent display about wartime espionage. It featured a number of spy artifacts, as well as a few items from MI5’s secret wartime interrogation centre, Camp 020. One item in particular was quite intriguing, although hard to see
Latchmere House Photographs at the Imperial War Museum Read More »
We know what the wireless sets carried by Germany’s LENA agents looked like. But what happens when someone actually tries to build one—and make it work? After years of research, photographs, measurements and experimentation, Thomas Hoeppe has done just that. Early in this blog’s history, in 2014, I wrote a post about the wireless transmitter/receivers
Labour of Love: Bringing the LENA Spy Radios Back to Life Read More »
I’ve been to the Imperial War Museum many times over the years, mostly as a visitor drifting toward the “Secret War” gallery out of habit. This time was different. With a London research trip on the horizon, I wanted to get behind the glass and into the Research Room to examine a few unexhibited items
Tracking Espionage Artifacts at the Imperial War Museum Read More »
I am always amazed at what correspondence comes while this blog goes on hiatus. This summer is no exception. Some of these will generate a stand-alone blog, while others will lead to an update on an existing blog. Tower of London: Royal Armouries and Historic Royal Palaces The Tower of London is in the process
From the Mailbox – Eyeglasses, Escapes, and Spy Radios – September 2026 Read More »
Just a quick note for readers in Britain: I’ve just received word that Inside the Tower, Season 9, will begin airing on Channel 5 on Wednesday, May 20, at 8 pm UK time. The episode featuring Josef Jakobs’ final letter is scheduled to air on Wednesday, May 27, at 8 pm. I was interviewed for
Josef Jakobs’ Final Letter Featured on Inside the Tower Read More »
After a good stretch of writing, I’m stepping back for the spring and summer. The blog will be on hiatus for the next few months while I focus on work, travel, and a few ongoing projects. The research doesn’t stop—it just shifts out of public view for a while. If you’re new here, there’s a
Extended Hiatus (April–September) Read More »
I’ve known for decades that the First World War spies were buried at the East London Cemetery & Crematorium in Plaistow. It’s a long trek out to that corner of London, and I’d never found the time to get out there. During my visit to London in December 2025, however, I finally made the time.
The WWI German Spies Buried at East London Cemetery Read More »
When I was planning my December 2025 trip to England, a documentary team from LionTV reached out about a segment for Channel 5’s Inside the Tower. We had initially discussed doing the interview over Zoom, but once they learned I would be in London, we arranged to film at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, where Josef
Behind the Scenes for an “Inside the Tower” Piece Read More »