Plot summary, “Double Cross” by Ben Macintyre in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"Double Cross" is a non-fiction book written by British author Ben Macintyre. Published in 2012, the book provides a detailed account of the British response to Nazi spies sent by the German Abwehr intelligence service during World War II. Ben Macintyre explores the efforts made by the British to turn these German spies into double agents, with a particular focus on Operation Fortitude—a strategic deception to mislead the Germans about the location of the 1944 D-Day Invasion.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, beginning in 1940 when the Abwehr initiated an espionage campaign against Great Britain. German spies, sent through various means such as parachute drops, submarine landings, and forged passports, infiltrated the British Isles with the aim of extracting information or sabotaging British operations. The book highlights the prevalent paranoia in Britain, fueled by the belief that the country was infiltrated by well-trained German spies at all levels of society.
One key aspect of the book is the British decision to use captured German spies as double agents rather than imprisoning or executing them. The Double Cross or XX system, as it became known, was orchestrated by British intelligence, specifically MI5. The narrative also sheds light on the peculiarities and inadequacies of the German spies, their lack of training, and the reasons behind their ill-preparedness for espionage. Macintyre delves into the psychology of Adolf Hitler, suggesting that the German leader's egotism and reliance on intuition contributed to the deficiencies in Germany's intelligence gathering.
The book covers various episodes, including the training of double agents and the intricate web of deception woven by the British to mislead the Germans about the D-Day Invasion. It introduces readers to notable figures involved in these operations, such as Thomas Argyll Robinson (TAR), British Army Colonel Noel Wild, and double agent Lily Sergeyev.
"Double Cross" received acclaim for its engaging storytelling, meticulous research, and the revelation of lesser-known aspects of World War II espionage. Ben Macintyre's work in "Double Cross" has been recognized with nominations for prestigious awards in the genre of fact crime and history. The book provides readers with a captivating and insightful exploration of the intricate world of espionage during a pivotal period in history.