Greville Wynne during Soviet trial for espionage. From rom 1963 Soviet propaganda film,
The 2021 film The Courier, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Greville Wynne, brings to life the gripping true story of an ordinary British businessman thrust into the extraordinary world of Cold War espionage. Released on March 19, the movie delves into Wynne’s collaboration with Soviet intelligence officer Oleg Penkovsky, whose leaked information played a pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
While the film captures the essence of Wynne’s daring missions, it also sheds light on the complexities of his character, including the inaccuracies and fabrications in his memoirs that followed his release from Soviet imprisonment. This cinematic portrayal offers a compelling glimpse into the shadowy realm of espionage, blending historical intrigue with dramatic storytelling.
The True Story of Greville Wynne
Greville Wynne’s transformation from a British businessman to a Cold War spy is a fascinating tale of courage and intrigue. Wynne, an industrial sales consultant, frequently traveled to Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, representing British electrical and steel companies. His professional background and regular trips provided the ideal cover for espionage activities. In November 1960, Wynne was approached by MI6 officer Dickie Franks during a lunch meeting, where he was recruited to serve as an agent. Despite having no prior experience in intelligence work, Wynne agreed to assist MI6, setting the stage for one of the most productive clandestine operations of the Cold War.
During his first mission to Moscow, Wynne connected with Oleg Penkovsky, a Soviet intelligence officer disillusioned with the regime. Penkovsky sought to share high-level military intelligence with the West, hoping to secure a better future for himself and his family. Wynne acted as a courier, smuggling critical information provided by Penkovsky to British and American intelligence officers. This intelligence included details about Soviet missile capabilities, which played a pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Penkovsky’s insights allowed Western powers to understand the Soviet Union’s strategic position and weaknesses, significantly influencing the resolution of the crisis.
However, their covert activities attracted the attention of the KGB. In 1962, Wynne and Penkovsky were arrested. Penkovsky was executed, while Wynne was sentenced to eight years in a Soviet prison. Wynne’s health deteriorated during his imprisonment, but he was released after 18 months in a spy exchange for Soviet agent Konon Molody.
Following his release, Wynne’s life took a dramatic turn. He published memoirs detailing his experiences, though many of his accounts were later criticized for inaccuracies and fabrications.
Wynne’s memoirs, including The Man From Moscow and The Man From Odessa, were met with skepticism due to numerous inaccuracies and fabrications. Wynne’s accounts often exaggerated or outright invented events from his time as a spy. For instance, he claimed that he and Oleg Penkovsky took a private military jet to Washington, D.C., where they met President John F. Kennedy, who personally thanked them for their service. This story was widely debunked, as it would have been logistically impossible at the time and inconsistent with standard espionage practices.
Wynne also portrayed himself as a central figure in the intelligence operation, sometimes overshadowing Penkovsky’s contributions. Intelligence experts and historians have pointed out that Wynne’s role, while significant, was primarily that of a courier rather than a mastermind. His embellishments may have stemmed from a desire for fame, financial gain, or the psychological impact of his imprisonment.
Despite these inaccuracies, Wynne’s memoirs were initially accepted at face value and even inspired media adaptations. Over time, however, intelligence professionals and historians scrutinized his claims, revealing the extent of his fabrications. Wynne’s tendency to distort the truth has been attributed to what some experts call “post-usefulness syndrome,” a phenomenon where former intelligence agents struggle to adjust to life after their service
Wynne’s post-prison years were marked by public appearances and attempts to capitalize on his notoriety. Despite the controversies surrounding his memoirs, Wynne’s contributions to Cold War intelligence remain significant, highlighting the extraordinary risks taken by individuals in the shadowy world of espionage.
Resource
International Spy Museum
SpyMuseum.org