During his time in England, Josef was held, or taken to, various locations in Cambridgeshire and London. In the interests of clarity, I have created a Google Map with these locations marked on it. If you follow the link to the map, you’ll find that it is interactive. Zoom in and click on the various […]
Retracing the Footsteps of German Spy, Josef Jakobs Read More »
The Book Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in and around the Fens; Glenda Goulden; Wharncliffe Books, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. 2008. Review Every once in a while, I come across a “true crime” book that makes me shudder, not because of the gory crime scenes but because of the poor research. This is one such book.
German spy, Josef Jakobs was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic cemetery at Kensal Green on 18 August, 1941. His funeral service was carried out by Rev. Charles Bernard Flood. Charles was the son of Ellen Mildred Bishop and Arthur Frederick Flood. Ellen was the daughter of a river pilot (William Bishop) and
Laying a Spy to Rest – The Reverend Charles B. Flood Read More »
The Book Operation Sealion: How Britain Crushed the German War Machine’s Dreams of Invasion in 1940; Leo McKinstry; John Murray, London. 2014. Summary In the summer and fall of 1940, England was faced with the very real threat of a German invasion. Pushed off of the Continent by the German Army, the Allied forces were
Book Review – Operation Sealion – Leo McKinstry – 2014 Read More »
Every August, the town of Ramsey in Cambridgeshire, hosts a 1940s Weekend. For a few days, The Camp (a former search light battery unit) turns back time and visitors can experience all things 1940s. According to their website, those attending the weekend will have a chance to: Immerse yourself with all the sights, sounds and
Back to the Past – Ramsey 1940s Weekend Read More »
Today in 1941, on August 18, Josef Jakobs was buried in an unmarked grave at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Kensal Green, London. Fr. Edward J. Griffith, an Army Chaplain, had ministered to Josef in the days between the court martial and the execution. Fr. Griffith likely attended the funeral, only returning to his
Today in 1941 – August 18 – German spy Josef Jakobs buried at St. Mary’s R.C. Cemetery Read More »
A few weeks ago, I received a kind email from Scott Allsop, a UK history teacher. Since April of this year, Scott has been hosting a daily podcast about significant or interesting historical events. He wanted to let me know that he would be posting a podcast about Josef Jakobs’ execution on 15 August. Scott’s
Podcast – On This Day in History: Execution of Josef Jakobs – HistoryPod – Scott Allsop Read More »
Today in 1941, on August 15, German spy, Josef Jakobs was executed by firing squad at the Tower of London. Josef and his Military Policemen guards left Wandsworth Prison at around 5:00 a.m. and arrived at the Tower at around 5:30 a.m. Josef was offered, and eventually accepted, a sedative to calm the nerves. The
Today in 1941 – August 15 – Josef Jakobs Shot at the Tower of London Read More »
Today in 1941, on August 13, Josef Jakobs received word that his petition for mercy to King George VI had been rejected. Josef’s petition had wended its way through military, legal and political channels before finally being passed before the eyes of the King around August 9. None of the authorities had recommended mercy and
Today in 1941 – August 13 – King George VI rejects Josef Jakobs’ Petition for Mercy Read More »
Today in 1941, on August 9, Josef Jakobs’ petition for mercy reached King George VI. Josef had begun to craft his petition after his court martial found him guilty on August 5 and condemned him to death. By August 8, the petition was wending its way through the military, legal and political channels. It passed
Today in 1941 – August 9 – Josef Jakobs’ Petition for Mercy reaches King George VI Read More »