Operation Gold: The Berlin Tunnel
The discovery of the tunnel was planned as a publicity stunt by the Soviets. It backfired when most press coverage praised the boldness and technical skills of building the tunnel.…
SOG Pentagon XR: Professional Use Folding Knife
SOG Specialty Knives and Tools (SOG) was founded in 1986 by designer and toolmaker Spencer Frazer. Named after the elite Vietnam-era multiservice special operations unit. known as the Military Assistance…
Station IX: The Real-Life Q Branch of WW2
The Frythe, a once-private residence that became home to Station IX during WW2. The work of the SOE was of the highest class. They showed themselves capable of deeds of…
The Secrets of Bletchley Park: How Codebreakers Helped Win WW2
Bletchley Park Mansion, the headquarters for British codebreakers during World War II. The mansion is a Grade II Listed Building in England. Photo: DeFacto. CC BY-SA 4.0. No wonder that…
Inside the UK’s Secret Spy Network
SIS Building (or MI6 Building) at Vauxhall Cross, London, headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). It was built in 1994. Photo: Laurie Nevay. CC BY-SA 2.0. Secret intelligence…
The A-12 OXCART: CIA’s Secret Cold War Spy Plane
An air-to-air left front view of an A-12 (60-6932) with spurious US Air Force markings. This aircraft was lost over South China Sea on 6 Jume 1968. Photo: Defense Visual…
Lionel Crabb: A Cold War Mystery
Lionel Crabb The mystery of Lieutenant Commander Lionel Crabb, OBE, GM, RNVR is one of the most enduring mysteries of the Cold War era. Lionel Crabb, also known as Buster…
Sidney Reilly: Ace of Spies
Sidney Reilly Sidney Reilly was the most extraordinary man I ever met.” — Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart Sidney George Reilly, MC was a British spy who worked for the British…
Mata Hari: The Truth Behind the Legend
Mata Hari Everything is an illusion.” — Mata Hari. The name Mata Hari has become synonymous with the seductive female spy who uses her charms to obtain secrets from the…
The OSS: America’s WW2 Spy Agency
General William J. Donovan reviews OSS Operational Group members in Bethesda, Maryland, prior to their departure for China in 1945. Photo: Office of Strategic Services Society. We face an enemy…