Today marks the 76th anniversary of the capture of German spy Josef Jakobs at Dove House Farm near the village of Ramsey, Huntingdonshire.
Having broken his ankle during his exit from the aircraft via parachute, Josef was found around 8:30 am by two farmers on their way to work.
Josef spent the next few months in Dulwich Hospital, London and then several more at MI5’s secret interrogation centre, Camp 020, on the outskirts of London.
On July 24, 1941, Josef was transferred to Wandsworth Prison, where he spent the last few weeks of his life. He was executed by firing squad at the Tower of London at 7:12 am on August 15, 1941.
Back in October (2016), my sister and I flew to London for a spot of filming courtesy of the BBC One Show. They wanted to film the meeting of myself (granddaughter of Josef Jakobs) and Kate (daughter of William Chidlow). While Kate and I had been in contact via email, we had never met in person.
Kate’s dad, William, was one of the Military Policemen who guarded Josef during the final weeks of his life at Wandsworth Prison. William even accompanied Josef to his execution at the Tower. Before leaving the prison, Josef gave William one of his personal belongings which William held in trust for decades. A few years ago, Kate tracked us down and returned the object. (Yup, you’ll have to watch the episode to learn more).
Just over 75 years later, the circle finally closed when Kate and I met at the Tower of London.
The BBC One Show airs the 5 minute episode this evening, February 1, 2017 on BBC One between 19:00 and 19:30 – in the United Kingdom. Whether it will air here in North America is unknown.
I have to admit, while it was only 5 minutes of video… it was over 6 hours of filming. It was bitingly cold that day and the experience gave me a new appreciation for everything that goes into a few minutes of finished film!
Many thanks to my sister for acting as behind-the-scenes photographer! Thanks as well to the BBC crew and the Tower Press Office…
On the night before his execution, Josef gave William a object which Kate returned to us a few years ago. (c) G.K. Jakobs 
Kate and I with our crew. (c) G.K. Jakobs 
A stand-in for the chair that Josef sat on for his execution. (c) G.K. Jakobs 
Kate and I grimacing in the cold! (c) G.K. Jakobs 
A break in filming when we put on our jackets and mittens! (c) G.K. Jakobs 
Many, many takes required for some shots! (c) G.K. Jakobs 
Myself and my sister at the Tower (c) G.K. Jakobs
All photos copyright G.K. Jakobs.
That means, ask if you want to use them.