Latest news with #SpecialOperationsExecutive
The Independent
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Secret tunnels that inspired James Bond to open for the first time
A secret network of World War II tunnels in London, which inspired the James Bond books, is set to open as a spy museum. The tunnels, located 40 metres below High Holborn, were originally built as air raid shelters during the Blitz and later used by the Special Operations Executive. The London Tunnels company is collaborating with the Museum of Military Intelligence (MMI) to create a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of military intelligence, including artefacts, equipment, and stories from various conflicts. The exhibition will feature stories from the Battle of Britain, D-Day, Cold War espionage, the Falklands War, and more recent military operations. Work on the museum is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion expected in 2028, and is projected to attract up to three million visitors per year, boosting local spending and creating jobs.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Secret network of spy tunnels to open as London's newest tourist attraction
A secret underground network of London World War II tunnels that inspired the James Bond books is set to turn into a brand-new spy museum, with new details now revealed. The capital is set to gain a new visitor attraction hidden in plain sight 40 metres below High Holborn, as the tunnels will now become open to the public after being kept in relative secrecy for nearly 70 years under the Official Secrets Act. The London Tunnels, the company that looks after this underground labyrinth, has recently announced a collaboration with the Museum of Military Intelligence (MMI) on the project, two years after the plans were first announced. The below street-level network is known as the Kinsway Exchange Tunnels and was constructed during the Blitz as a deep-level air raid shelter under the London Underground. The mile-long series of tunnels was shortly after occupied by the Special Operations Executive, a clandestine organisation established in July 1940 under the orders of then Prime Minister Winston Churchill, during the later stages of World War II. It was during this time that Bond author Ian Fleming was working as a liaison officer within the wartime administration, and it is thought that the tunnels inspired the research and development Q Branch in his novels. After a few other uses for the network, the tunnels were used for a secure hotline that connected the White House to the Kremlin during the Cold War, before it was taken over by BT. Now, the tunnels will have a new life as a major tourist attraction that hopes to welcome up to three million visitors per year. The tunnels will have a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of military intelligence and its use of the tunnel complex, including a special exhibition centred around the Special Operations Executive. The displays will spotlight original artefacts, equipment, weapons, documents and images through a 'modern high-tech experience' that promises to bring to life the history and techniques used by military intelligence. The exhibition will feature stories from the Battle of Britain and D-Day, the espionage operations of the Cold War and the Falklands War. It will also display more recent military operations, including peace-keeping missions and the response to terrorism threats that have occurred within the 21st century. Visitors will also be able to delve into how the British military works today and what operations they carry out. Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels, said: 'We are delighted to become the home of the public exhibition of the Museum of Military Intelligence. This new location will provide convenient central London access to an important and unique collection which has until now been largely hidden. 'The tunnels, built and designed to protect Londoners during the Blitz, are the ideal backdrop to tell the remarkable, and untold, stories of the men and women who played a vital role in protecting Britain then, and the role of the armed services protecting Britain today.' In its 2023 consultation documents, London Tunnels said the new museum would increase local spending up to £80m per year, create 40 onsite jobs and offer free trips for local schools. The London Tunnels said work is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion in 2028.
The Independent
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Secret network of spy tunnels to open as London's newest tourist attraction
A secret underground network of London World War II tunnels that inspired the James Bond books is set to turn into a brand-new spy museum, with new details now revealed. The capital is set to gain a new visitor attraction hidden in plain sight 40 metres below High Holborn, as the tunnels will now become open to the public after being kept in relative secrecy for nearly 70 years under the Official Secrets Act. The London Tunnels, the company that looks after this underground labyrinth, has recently announced a collaboration with the Museum of Military Intelligence (MMI) on the project, two years after the plans were first announced. The below street-level network is known as the Kinsway Exchange Tunnels and was constructed during the Blitz as a deep-level air raid shelter under the London Underground. The mile-long series of tunnels was shortly after occupied by the Special Operations Executive, a clandestine organisation established in July 1940 under the orders of then Prime Minister Winston Churchill, during the later stages of World War II. It was during this time that Bond author Ian Fleming was working as a liaison officer within the wartime administration, and it is thought that the tunnels inspired the research and development Q Branch in his novels. After a few other uses for the network, the tunnels were used for a secure hotline that connected the White House to the Kremlin during the Cold War, before it was taken over by BT. Now, the tunnels will have a new life as a major tourist attraction that hopes to welcome up to three million visitors per year. The tunnels will have a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of military intelligence and its use of the tunnel complex, including a special exhibition centred around the Special Operations Executive. The displays will spotlight original artefacts, equipment, weapons, documents and images through a 'modern high-tech experience' that promises to bring to life the history and techniques used by military intelligence. The exhibition will feature stories from the Battle of Britain and D-Day, the espionage operations of the Cold War and the Falklands War. It will also display more recent military operations, including peace-keeping missions and the response to terrorism threats that have occurred within the 21st century. Visitors will also be able to delve into how the British military works today and what operations they carry out. Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels, said: 'We are delighted to become the home of the public exhibition of the Museum of Military Intelligence. This new location will provide convenient central London access to an important and unique collection which has until now been largely hidden. 'The tunnels, built and designed to protect Londoners during the Blitz, are the ideal backdrop to tell the remarkable, and untold, stories of the men and women who played a vital role in protecting Britain then, and the role of the armed services protecting Britain today.' In its 2023 consultation documents, London Tunnels said the new museum would increase local spending up to £80m per year, create 40 onsite jobs and offer free trips for local schools.
Powys County Times
07-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Daughter of World War II heroine attends Powys VE Day event
THE daughter of a World War II heroine executed by the Nazis officially unveiled a memorial in the Powys village where she lives last weekend, as celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day got underway. Violette Szabo was a British-French secret agent, recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent during the war, having initially joined the Women's Land Army and later enlisting in the Auxiliary Territorial Service – the women's branch of the British Army during World War II. On just her second mission into occupied France, Violette was captured by the German army, interrogated, tortured and deported to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she was executed, aged just 23. She was a posthumous recipient of the George Cross. Tania Szabo, born to Violette and her French husband Etienne on June 8, 1942, has called the village of Cilmery, near Builth Wells, home for some years; and it was here that she unveiled a bench last weekend, honouring the last native Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, who was killed near the village, and which houses a monument to him. The unveiling of the bench was part of a day of celebration at Cilmery's Prince Llewelyn Inn on Sunday, May 4, with the pub hosting a commemorative event celebrating 80 years since VE Day. Refreshments and a buffet was provided by the pub's landlords, Julie and Adrian Beach, along with entertainment for children and rousing 1940's music. Members of Cilmery Community Council unveiled the 'Cilmery Bench', which sits just across the road from the pub. It was finely crafted by local blacksmith Kevin Preece, with thanks extended to Jewsons for supplying the materials. The bench is engraved with ' Llywelyn ap Gruffydd ' and an outline of the village monument to celebrate Llywelyn's connection to Cilmery. To complete the VE Day Commemorations, Tania recalled the heroic contribution that her late mother made to the Allied effort during World War II. Violette, as an SOE agent, went into France on June 7, 1944, on just her second mission, but was captured only three days later. She, along with two other SOE agents, Denise Block and Lilian Rolfe, was executed on February 5, 1945. After she and Etienne were married, Violette became a switchboard operator for the General Post Office in central London, working throughout the Blitz. However, bored by the job, she enlisted in the ATS in September 1941. She was stationed in Cheshire but returned to London in early 1942 when she learned she was pregnant. After giving birth to Tania, she sent her daughter to childminders while she worked at an aircraft factory. Étienne was killed in action on October 24, 1942, having never seen his daughter. It was Étienne's death that made Violette accept an offer to train as a field agent in the SOE, as she saw this as her best way of fighting the enemy.
North Wales Chronicle
05-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
William tells of George's interest in war veterans at Palace tea party
A 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), known as Churchill's Secret Army, were among 30 veteran guests of honour, according to the Royal British Legion (RBL) which helped organise the event. The King told one veteran: 'It's so special to get you here on this sort of occasion. It's the least we could do for you.' Prince George, 11, joined William and his mother the Princess of Wales, along with the King and Queen and other members of the royal family, to meet the veterans on Monday. The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, near Portsmouth, that George is 'interested' in learning about those who served in the war, the veteran's granddaughter said. Samantha Davidson, 58, from Denmead in Hampshire, told the PA news agency: 'The prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. 'George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.' She said Mr Littlefield was very happy that George had taken an interest in the past. Royal Engineers veteran Mr Littlefield said: 'I'm very proud.' William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was 'very important' for George and the 'next generation' to hear the stories from those who fought in the war. He told Douglas Hyde, who joined the Merchant Navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was 'very keen' to ask the former serviceman some questions. Meanwhile, Kate asked for a copy of a book written by a Second World War evacuee, the author said. Margaret Wood was evacuated from Chingford in east London at the start of the war to the Midlands, where she remained until May 23 1945. She said the princess had asked for the book during their conversation at the Palace tea party. Ms Wood said: 'I have written a book about my time as an evacuee and it was published. She asked for a copy. 'My mother also wrote about it and it was her reaction to sending her children away.' Ms Wood said of Kate: 'She is just an ordinary lady, just a mum.' As she chatted with veterans, Kate joked of her son: 'He's going to have to practise his shooting like you.' Norman Brown, 101, said he performed a magic trick to the Queen while talking to her. The trick involved tying string on Camilla's finger before whipping it off. She laughed as the trick was performed. Mr Brown said: 'I was dared to show the magic trick to the Queen, so I did it. 'She loved it, so I'm glad, I'm chuffed to be here, very proud.' Joy Trew, who signed up to join the war effort aged 17 and served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, said Charles tucked her blanket into her wheelchair during Monday's military parade in London to prevent her from getting chilly. 'He bent down and tucked me in,' she said. Of the procession, Ms Trew, who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: 'I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said 'yes'.' The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children. Robert Piper, 99, from Southwater in West Sussex, said of the King: 'He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding. 'We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.' Mr Piper said he has 'lots of memories' of the war, which come back to him at night. He added: 'The men I served with gave it their all for this country, it's right they're still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them. 'Today has been superb but very overwhelming.' Henry Ducker, 104, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, said Camilla spoke with him about her father. He said: 'It was an honour to talk with her, she was quite funny, very humorous. 'We had quite a laugh, she is a lovely woman.' Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa. Veterans enjoyed sandwiches, scotch eggs and scones at the tea party. Also on the menu were potted shrimps with brown bread and butter, egg and bacon quiche, vegetable pasties and sausage rolls, along with lemon and carrot cake, chocolate cake, treacle tarts and strawberries and cream. They dined on large tables in the Marble Hall which was decorated in bunting made from fabrics recycled from the royal estate. The veterans had a prime spot on the Buckingham Palace garden steps as a flypast went over. Many looked up and smiled and applauded, while Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, waved as the planes went over. Among them was Ruth Barnwell, 100, who joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941. Regarding the commemoration, she told PA: 'It was great. Really great. Today has been wonderful.' Politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch were also there. They were joined by actor Timothy Spall and were serenaded by a brass band as they waited for the aircraft. RBL director general Mark Atkinson said the charity was 'proud' to take a place 'at the heart of these national celebrations and commemorations as this really will be one of our last opportunities as a nation to pay tribute to those veterans still with us today'. British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, plus Wrens, SOE members, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats were among those attending the tea party.
