George Blake, originally born as George Behar, was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on November 11, 1922.
His parents initially intended to name him Jacob, after two grandfathers, but his father, Albert William Behar, changed it to George on Armistice Day in honor of King George V and the country (Britain). George had a Dutch nickname, Poek, which his conservative relatives preferred to use. The Behar family lived in Rotterdam, and George was the eldest of their children, followed by Adele Gertrud and Elizabeth. Albert Behar's marriage to Catherine Beijderwellen faced opposition from both families due to his mysterious background and unconventional past. George enjoyed reading the Children's Bible as a child and identified most with the biblical character Jacob. Albert Behar had served as a soldier in World War I, receiving injuries, but his war stories contained some embellishments. After the war, Albert's last posting was in Rotterdam, where he met Catherine, leading to their marriage in London in 1922. The Behar family disapproved of the marriage, leading to a long period of estrangement, while Catherine's family gradually reconciled. George's Aunt Truss played an important role in his upbringing, regaling him with tales of her workplace and keeping him entertained. Albert Behar kept a secret about his true identity, declaring himself as Evangelical Lutheran when registering for citizenship in Rotterdam. Albert initially had two sources of income: his Army pension and Turkish railway bonds, which became worthless when the railway industry was nationalized in 1927.
Albert's business selling leather and sports goods struggled, especially after the Wall Street crash of 1929. The family later moved to Scheveningen, a seaside resort near The Hague, for Albert's health reasons. Albert remained distant from his children due to language barriers, as he did not speak Dutch, which was the family's primary language. George inherited his father's intellectual curiosity and sense of adventure, often watching ships in the port of Rotterdam and enjoying stories from the Bible and Dutch history. George was described as a quiet, polite, and somewhat solitary boy who didn't have many friends his age and preferred to engage in games of fantasy at home with his sisters. George enjoyed dressing up in various costumes and playing different roles as a child, including dressing as an admiral, a minister of the church, and a judge.
In 1935, George's father, Albert Behar, was diagnosed with lung cancer. George visited him daily in the hospital after school. Albert Behar passed away in April 1936, leaving the family in dire financial straits as his business had gone bankrupt. Albert Behar had kept his Jewish identity a secret, but before his death, he revealed to his wife, Catherine, that he was Jewish. The Behar family had Sephardic Jewish ancestry, and their ancestors had found refuge in the Ottoman Empire after the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. In the 1920s, the status of Jews in the Netherlands was different, and Albert kept his Jewish identity hidden. After Albert's death, Catherine received assistance from Albert's sister, Zephira, and her husband, who offered to take George and provide him with an education in Cairo, Egypt. George initially hesitated but eventually agreed to go to Cairo for a few years, seeing it as an adventure and an opportunity to expand his horizons.
In 1936, at the age of 13, George boarded a Norwegian cargo ship bound for Alexandria, Egypt. In Cairo, George lived in a lavish mansion known as Villa Curiel and attended the English School, where he began to settle down. George's cousins introduced him to Communist ideologies, sparking political discussions and influencing his views, even though he was a religious boy at the time. George continued his education in Cairo and passed his exams with flying colors, winning prizes for Latin and History. He was set to sit for the London University matriculation exam but had to return to the Netherlands when Hitler's troops marched into Poland.
George enrolled in the Dutch High School in Rotterdam and lived with his grandmother and aunt, while his mother and sisters remained in Scheveningen. George was a fit and athletic teenager who excelled in gymnastics and related well with adults. He experienced an identity crisis during these years, feeling torn between his Jewish, English, and Dutch backgrounds. Despite intelligence suggesting a possible threat, many in the Netherlands initially did not believe that Hitler had designs on their country after the march into Poland.
- George Behar, a Dutch teenager, became involved in the Dutch resistance during World War II.
- In May 1940, Rotterdam was heavily bombed by the Germans, leading to widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
- George's family evacuated the Netherlands, and he stayed behind with his grandmother.
- He later joined the resistance and worked for Vrij Nederland, an underground organization.
- George's work involved distributing illegal newspapers, delivering intelligence messages, and cycling long distances to avoid detection.
- He also harbored a desire to escape to England and contribute to the fight against the Nazis.
- With the help of the de Bie family and the de Bie sisters, George attempted to cross the border into Belgium.
- They encountered a German soldier but managed to convince him that George was their cousin.
- George eventually crossed the border into Belgium, where he hoped to continue his journey to England.
George Behar embarked on a perilous thousand-mile journey across Europe in 1942. His journey started as Jews in Holland sought sanctuary from Nazi persecution and deportation to concentration camps. George made his way from Antwerp to Brussels, seeking assistance from a Dominican monk who connected him with resistance workers.
He faced challenges at the border, using a fake Belgian identity card to avoid German authorities.
George received help from sympathetic customs officers and a local family during his journey. He followed an escape route similar to the "Pat" line, which was used to assist captured soldiers and escapees across Europe. George encountered difficulties in Lyon but found refuge with a French colonel and his wife who were active in the resistance. He worked with the French underground, contributing to the resistance efforts.
MI9, the British intelligence agency responsible for assisting prisoners of war and escapees, played a role in coordinating his escape. George's journey eventually led him to Spain, where he faced internment but later received food parcels from the British Embassy. He was released from detention and began the final leg of his journey to Britain, arriving in Greenock. George was questioned and underwent intelligence interviews at the Royal Victoria Patriotic School in Wandsworth, London. His mother and family were overjoyed when he was finally reunited with them in Northwood, a London suburb.
George settled into a different rhythm of life after a period of adventure.
He admired England's virtues of duty, solidarity, forbearance, and courage during the war.
George was disappointed when he didn't receive an invitation to enlist despite his role in the Resistance.
Commander Douglas William Child played a vital role in George's life during the war.
George joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and became a sub-lieutenant.
His family changed their name to "Blake" by deed poll.
George's journey eventually led him to the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS).
He worked in the Dutch Section of SIS, handling coded messages and assisting agents.
George played a minor role in "Operation Market Garden," which ended in catastrophe.
He was the sole officer on duty at P8's office when VE Day occurred on May 8, 1945.
George Blake joined Major Seymour's team in The Hague shortly after VE-Day to assist with winding down wartime affairs and reconstituting the SIS station.
George Blake and his colleagues received the Order of Orange-Nassau for their wartime work.
In The Hague, George developed a close relationship with Iris Peake, an attractive 21-year-old former debutante.
He described SIS secretaries in those days as often belonging to the higher echelons of the Establishment and noted that Iris combined good looks with intelligence.
Despite the close relationship between George and Iris, it eventually ended, possibly due to societal differences and expectations.
In 1945, George returned to espionage work after VE-Day, and a key event occurred with the defection of Igor Gouzenko, shedding light on Soviet spying activities.
George Kennan's "Long Telegram" outlined the inevitability of conflict with the Soviet Union, which would lead to the Cold War.
Winston Churchill's "Sinews of Peace" speech in 1946 marked the beginning of the official Cold War, with the concept of the "iron curtain."
George Blake's work in Hamburg involved recruiting agents and gathering intelligence in the Soviet Zone of Germany, contributing to the early stages of the Cold War.
He returned to the UK with valuable experience and was offered a permanent post in SIS, which he eagerly accepted.
George embarked on a language-learning journey, including Russian, to prepare for his future intelligence work.
He took a break in Cambridge, reflecting on his life and planning his future.
George Blake arrived at Cambridge in October 1947, a time when political enthusiasm for all things Russian was cooling.
Dr. Elizabeth Hill was his charismatic lecturer at Cambridge, guiding his academic progress and inspiring him with a passion for Russian literature.
Dr. Hill had an eccentric belief in astrology and saw George as a Scorpio, believing he could attain great heights. Blake's perception of Russians changed during this period, as he admired their courage, patience, generosity, and piety.
He became increasingly interested in the concept of the "Russian soul," contrasting traditional Russian values with Western enlightenment. Despite his growing interest in Russia, Blake maintained his hostility towards Communism, as did his teacher, Dr. Hill.
The article mentions other famous Cambridge spies like Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt, Kim Philby, and Donald Maclean, although Blake had only brief encounters with some of them.
In the 1930s, Cambridge saw a shift towards left-wing and even extreme left ideologies, with many intellectuals gravitating in that direction. Blake was chosen to open a new SIS outpost in Seoul, South Korea, in 1948, at the age of 25.
He had a dramatic shift in his political views after reading "The Theory and Practice of Communism" by Robert Nigel Carew Hunt, seeing Marxism as convincing and desirable. Blake equated the struggle of early Christians with the battles fought by Marxism and believed they had similar social and economic goals. He began to question and eventually reject Christianity, finding no real difference in the ends that Communists professed and Christians sought. Blake departed for Seoul at the end of October 1948, at a time of significant turmoil, as the Chinese Civil War escalated.
George Blake began his intelligence mission in Seoul with a discontented frame of mind, having abandoned his Christian faith and harboring unsettling thoughts about Communism.
His assignments included establishing agent networks in the Soviet Far Eastern 'Maritime' Provinces, building contacts in China's northeastern provinces, and preparing for the possibility of war in Korea. Blake found his tasks, particularly spying on the Russians in Vladivostok, impractical and questioned their feasibility. He found solace and friendship in Seoul, including his colleague Norman Owen and French Vice-Consul Jean Meadmore, with whom he enjoyed the company of women. Captain Vyvyan Holt, his diplomatic superior, initially displayed distrust but eventually took Blake under his wing, introducing him to Korean customs and culture. Blake was critical of the American influence in South Korea, believing it negatively impacted the character, morals, and manners of the people. He witnessed corruption in the American-backed Syngman Rhee government, rigged elections, and the branding of political opponents as Communists. Blake admired Communist partisans in South Korea, comparing them to resistance fighters in Europe during World War II. His espionage mission was making little headway, and he received strong criticism from Maurice Murrowood Firth for his failure to establish useful agent networks. Blake's growing discontent with his mission and sympathies toward Communism began to erode his allegiance to the Service and his country. This period coincided with the North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung laying the groundwork for an invasion of South Korea in the spring and early summer of 1950.
George Blake was in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, at the time of the North Korean invasion in June 1950.
He was hosting a party to celebrate the "name day" of his friend Jean Meadmore before the invasion.
George Blake attended a morning service at the Anglican Cathedral in Seoul when he received information about the North Korean invasion. He performed consular duties, warning British families about the impending danger and urging them to leave the city. George Blake, along with other diplomats and missionaries, hunkered down in the legation compound as the North Koreans advanced toward the capital. George Blake's initial decision to stay in Seoul despite the outbreak of the Korean War, feeling it was both his diplomatic and moral duty.
The British and French diplomats' anticipation of danger as the fighting grew closer to their location. The shock of learning that Britain would support the United States in the Korean War, leading them to realize that they were no longer neutral but belligerents in enemy territory. Their attempt to burn codes and secret documents to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. The moment when North Korean soldiers arrived at their compound and ordered them to lower the Union Flag. The subsequent detention, detailed questioning, and a harrowing incident involving two South Korean policemen. The group's journey as captives, including an incident where they believed they might be executed but were ultimately spared. Their arrival at a civilian internee camp in North Korea and the conditions they faced there, including a lack of communication with the outside world, meager food rations, and insect problems. The arrival of Philip Deane, a journalist, who boosted their spirits with his optimism.
The uncertainty of their situation as they heard about the progress of the war and the presence of Chinese and North Korean troops. George Blake's attempt to escape, which ultimately failed, leading to his return to the camp and a stern warning from a North Korean officer. George Blake was one of the captives during the Korean War who had encountered "The Tiger," a North Korean security police officer.
"The Tiger" was described as a tall, lithe man with protruding teeth and keen, restless eyes. On October 31, George Blake and other captives were brought together by "The Tiger" to hear his plan for their future. "The Tiger" emphasized his authority and the need for everyone to march, discarding anything that could be used as a weapon. He expressed disdain for the missionaries, describing them as unnecessary religious people and emphasizing that they didn't need them.
"The Tiger" ruthlessly ordered the march of around 800 prisoners to the north-eastern town of Chunggangjin, disregarding the ill and enfeebled among them. During the march, several prisoners, including sick soldiers, became victims of "The Tiger's" ruthless policy of abandoning the weak. George Blake and other captives endured a long and grueling march through challenging terrain, often in harsh weather conditions. "The Tiger" used fear and brutality to maintain discipline, even resorting to executions of those who disobeyed or lagged behind. George Blake survived the Death March and later found himself in a camp at Hanjang-Ni, where conditions improved slightly, but hunger and harsh winter weather remained constant challenges. Despite the dire circumstances, George Blake maintained a philosophical and somewhat detached perspective, which helped him cope with the hardships. The article highlights that George Blake's experiences during the Korean War did not breed enmity toward Communism but rather reinforced his existing prejudices against American culture and behavior.
The intervention of Chinese Communist forces significantly altered the course of the Korean War during Blake's captivity.
General Douglas MacArthur's overconfidence in the absence of Chinese intervention in Korea proved incorrect, and the Chinese entry into the war changed the dynamics.
George Blake and his fellow captives saw improvements in their living conditions as the war situation stabilized.
On February 2, 1951, George Blake and others from the British and French group were informed of a change in political conditions and were moved to another location.
Blake and his colleagues settled in a farmhouse near the Yalu River, where they would face mental pressures rather than the extreme physical hardships of the earlier period.
George's final decision to embrace Communism and act upon it possibly occurred after reading Das Kapital in a cemetery in Korea. His journey towards espionage and treachery had begun long before this final decision. George justifies his actions on the grounds of belief, but there are other motivations behind his actions. Some of these motivations include contempt for the British class system, a dislike of competitive society, virulent anti-Americanism, and a deep religious conviction that aligns with Marxism. George has had a fascination with the secret world since childhood, and he has been leading a double life involved in intelligence work, deception, and espionage since his teenage years. He has been living his life as a professional liar, suggesting a long history of deceit and espionage activities.
Kim Philby is referred to as the 'Third Man' in the group.
Growing suspicion was mounting over Kim Philby's allegiances during this time.
MI5 had formally told Kim Philby that his relationship with Burgess made him a prime suspect for treachery. These points indicate that Kim Philby was under suspicion by MI5 for his involvement with the group, and his loyalty was in question.
George Blake initially encountered Soviet intelligence officer Loenko in captivity, who played a pivotal role in his recruitment into espionage. Blake gradually developed trust with Loenko, sharing his opposition to the UN action, American military tactics, and growing enthusiasm for Marxism.
Blake pledged his loyalty to the KGB, emphasizing his desire to assist the Soviet Union without seeking personal advantages or money. Over the next few months, Blake provided information on SIS operations and the structure of SIS to prove his sincerity to the KGB.
Loenko, who was involved in Blake's recruitment, died in a car crash in 1976, and Blake later visited his grave in Vladivostok.
Blake felt a sense of relief and purpose in his espionage work, considering it a lifelong commitment and a way to make a valuable contribution. He maintained a facade of normalcy with fellow captives, concealing his discussions with the KGB officers. Another KGB officer, Vasily Alekseevich Dozhdalev, later worked with Loenko in cultivating Blake as an asset.
Blake's captivity lasted for over two years, during which they had limited information about the progress of the Korean War and endured monotony. Changes in leadership in both the U.S. (Eisenhower) and the USSR (Stalin's death) contributed to the eventual release of Blake and his fellow captives.
British Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden played a role in securing the release of the British captives through diplomatic efforts.
After their release, the captives experienced improved treatment and were eventually returned to freedom.
George Blake and his colleagues celebrated their first night of freedom in a hotel in Antung, China, after being released from captivity. They continued to experience luxurious conditions as they traveled towards the Soviet border on the Trans-Manchurian Express train. Blake had a planned meeting at the Soviet border town of Otpor with his new KGB contact, Nikolai Borisovich Rodin, where they discussed plans for future clandestine meetings. Despite passing each other in the corridor during the journey, Blake and Rodin did not have further meetings on the train. They arrived in Moscow on April 20, 1953, and were greeted by the British Ambassador and embassy staff. Afterward, they were flown to Gatow airfield in West Berlin, where they were met by various officials and the media. Blake was cautious in his dealings with the media, as they were instructed not to reveal too much about the conditions they had endured in North Korea. Charles Wheeler, a former colleague of Blake's, encountered him at the airport but was surprised by Blake's reaction. Blake and his companions eventually returned to British soil and were greeted by a Salvation Army band at Abingdon RAF station.
Blake's appearance had improved compared to when he left North Korea, as he was seen wearing smarter clothing and maintaining a neat appearance.
George Holt and George Blake, who were companions in Korean prison camps, returned to England. George Holt spoke at the welcoming event and thanked the RAF for their return.
Both George Holt and George Blake were careful in their responses to questions about their treatment in captivity.
Commissioner Lord, who was also with them, commented positively on their living conditions in Korea. George Blake received a visit from a representative of the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, which led to further instructions. Blake and his party were the first prisoners to return from the Korean War. The Korean War had a significant death toll and destruction, but it didn't bring a resolution to the Cold War.
Blake's initial debriefing at the War Office was relatively brief and did not delve deeply into his experiences. The article discusses the introduction of "positive vetting" in the UK government to tighten security procedures. Sir James 'Jack' Easton expressed some doubts about recruiting individuals with potentially doubtful backgrounds. George Blake took compassionate leave and went on trips with family and friends, not revealing his espionage activities. Blake had a secret meeting with his Russian handler, Nikolai Borisovich Rodin (Korovin), in The Hague. They discussed Blake's role in Section Y, a technical intelligence unit focused on intercepting communications. Section Y was created due to the difficulties of running agents in the Soviet Union and the Soviets' shift to landline communications. Blake was involved in passing information from Operation Conflict, a successful cable-tapping operation in Vienna, to his Soviet handlers.
Background of Russian Speakers: The article mentions that the Russian speakers working with Blake came from various backgrounds, including descendants of Russian emigrants, daughters of recent Russian émigrés, and ex-Polish army officers.
Blake's Colleagues: Tom Gimson was described as an individual who helped smooth relations with the Russian-speaking colleagues, and Pamela 'Pam' Peniakoff was a highly efficient personal assistant who played a crucial role in the office.
Gillian Forsyth Allan: Gillian was one of the secretaries working in the office. She formed a close relationship with Blake, and her family also had connections to "The Firm."
Blake's Behavior: The passage describes Blake's peculiar behavior, such as taking off his shoes, napping in the afternoon, and a nervous habit of twisting off his sleeve buttons.
Meeting with Kondrashev: Blake's meeting with Sergei Aleksandrovich Kondrashev, his new KGB controller, is described in detail, including their cautious approach and the exchange of secret information.
Passing Secrets: Blake began passing sensitive information to Kondrashev, including details of telephone tapping operations in Vienna and microphones installed in Soviet and Eastern Bloc buildings in Western Europe.
Use of Minox Camera: Blake used a Minox camera provided by Kondrashev to photograph documents, making it easier to share classified information with the KGB.
Compilation of Top-Secret Bulletins: Blake ensured that copies of top-secret bulletins from Y section were sent to the KGB in addition to other government agencies.
Handing Over "Banner 54/1": In December 1952, Blake gave the KGB a damaging Minox film containing a ninety-page report titled "Banner 54/1," which included intercepted communications between Austria and Hungary.
George Blake served as the secretary and minute-taker during a four-day conference hosted by SIS and the CIA in December 1953 in London. The purpose of this conference was to discuss and plan Operation Stopwatch or Gold, a secret tunnel project in Berlin that aimed to tap into Soviet military communication cables. Frank Byron Rowlett, a key member of the CIA, was overseeing the technical operations for the Berlin tunnel project. The tunnel was to start in Rudow, a rural area of the US Sector southwest of Berlin, and extend into Soviet territory, allowing Western intelligence agencies to intercept Soviet communications. The tunnel project required extensive secrecy, including the construction of warehouses within the US Sector to hide the equipment and labor involved. The tunnel project faced technical challenges, including the need to construct a tap chamber close to the surface of the earth to access the target cables. Key British officers involved in the project included George Kennedy Young, Ian Innes Milne, and Stewart Mackenzie. George Kennedy Young, the leader of the British delegation, had a background in journalism and military intelligence and was known for his adventurous instincts.
George Blake continued to provide information to the KGB about the progress of the tunnel project.The marriage of George Blake and Gillian took place in October, and they spent their honeymoon in the South of France. Tensions between East and West, as well as the construction of the Warsaw Pact, added to the atmosphere of the Cold War during this time.
George Blake worked as a spy in Berlin in 1955 during the Cold War.
Berlin was a hub of espionage with both professional spies and amateur agents.
Blake worked for the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in Berlin.
He had a secure routine for meeting his Soviet handlers and passing on information.
Blake provided the Soviets with extensive information about SIS operations, structures, and policies.
His espionage activities had significant consequences, leading to the identification and arrest of numerous Western spies in East Germany.
The extent of the damage caused by Blake's betrayal is described, with hundreds of spies being detained and networks dismantled.
Blake operated in Berlin under the guise of the British Control Commission for Germany.
His work for the Soviets in Berlin was part of a larger web of espionage during the Cold War.
George Blake was a mole at the heart of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) who provided the Soviets with full details about the Berlin tunnel as far back as February 1954.
Blake was warned in advance by Sergei Kondrashev that the tunnel was about to be discovered. The discovery of the Berlin tunnel was orchestrated by high-ranking Soviet officials, including Nikita Khrushchev, for propaganda purposes.
The Soviets initially blamed the Americans for the tunnel, diverting suspicion away from SIS and George Blake.
The CIA initially viewed the tunnel as a remarkable clandestine achievement but later questioned its practical benefits when the truth about Blake's betrayal emerged. There was speculation about whether the KGB wanted the West to know Soviet intentions through the tunnel. The Berlin tunnel provided valuable intelligence, including information about Khrushchev's denouncement of Stalin and East German and Soviet intelligence operations. The article mentions that Blake and SIS played a significant role in the tunnel's operation and that American participation was limited to providing money and facilities.
1. George is referred to as "Mr. Kowalski."
2. He is a source within Soviet Bloc intelligence.
3. George had been communicating with CIA counter-intelligence officers since April 1958 under the alias "Heckenschütze" (Sniper).
4. The CIA had briefed MI5 and SIS in London about George, and he had disclosed the presence of two KGB moles within British intelligence.
5. George had come to Berlin from Warsaw, which was not his home territory, making surveillance more challenging.
6. The KGB suspected there was a traitor in their organization and had asked George to investigate.
7. David Murphy and John Dimmer from the CIA's Berlin station were involved in managing George's defection.
8. Microphones and recorders were set up in the room where the first introductions were made.
9. A safe house had been prepared for George, and a car was ready for his transportation.
10. George arrived at the American Consulate in Berlin with a woman who was his mistress, not his wife.
11. He agreed to identify himself fully to the CIA and indicated that his mistress, Irmgard Margareta Kampf, would be treated well.
George Blake, initially identified as "Kowalski," was a 38-year-old Lieutenant Colonel and former deputy chief of Polish counter-intelligence. He was a senior member of the Polish Intelligence Service, particularly heading its scientific and technical section. Unofficially, he was also a source for the KGB within Polish intelligence. The CIA had a plan to escort Blake and a couple to a safe house and then to Wiesbaden Air Base for a trip back to America. Blake's true identity was confirmed as "Sniper," and his intelligence work was considered authentic. Blake had previously been stationed in Berlin and was suspected of espionage for the Soviets.
He was attending an intensive Arabic language course in Lebanon. Blake received a letter from SIS headquarters requesting him to return to London for discussions about a new appointment. Initially, Blake considered fleeing to Syria but was later reassured by his Soviet contact that he should return to London. He completed his exams in Beirut, finishing fourth overall. Upon returning to London, Blake was invited to stay at St Ermin's Hotel but declined and planned to stay at his mother's home in Radlett. On Easter Monday, he left for London, leaving behind plans for his family, including his son Anthony's upcoming fifth birthday party. Blake's return marked the beginning of the dismantling of his life in London as a Soviet spy.
George Blake became a father, and he and his wife Gillian named their son Patrick. Blake initially enjoyed seeing his newborn son but later became distressed by the prospect of not being involved in the child's life due to his imprisonment.
He was designated a 'Star' prisoner and placed on the escape list, leading to strict surveillance and limitations on his movements within the prison. Blake devised a plan to lull both officers and inmates into believing he had no intention of escaping. He practiced yoga, maintained physical fitness, and pursued educational opportunities while in prison, including studying Arabic, British Constitution, Russian, and more.
Blake was well-regarded among younger inmates and helped them with their studies, raising his status within the prison community. He maintained a serene and polite demeanor, earning the respect of fellow prisoners. MI5 and SIS interrogated Blake multiple times during his early imprisonment, concerned about his potential knowledge of espionage operations. There were discussions about relocating Blake to other prisons to prevent contact with other Soviet spies but ultimately decided against it. George Blake's Meeting with Lonsdale: In a brief conversation, Lonsdale assured Blake they would meet again in Red Square in October 1967, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Russian Revolution.
Background of William John Christopher Vassall: Vassall, a member of the group of early 1960s KGB agents, was blackmailed by the Russians due to his homosexuality while working as a clerk to the Naval Attaché in Moscow in 1954. He continued to spy for the Russians in various sensitive Navy positions in England. George Blake and William John Christopher Vassall: Blake and Vassall met in prison, initially reluctant to associate, but they bonded over common interests, including religion and liturgical matters. They became friends, and Vassall admired Blake's resilience.
George Blake's Popularity: While some prisoners sought Blake's company, others tried to profit from his notoriety. There were stories and newspaper coverage about Blake in prison, which he grew weary of. MI5's Assessment of Blake: MI5 considered Blake a security risk even in prison, and they assigned a former Indian police officer as his watcher to monitor his activities. Escape Plot Involving Blake: In May 1964, there was an investigation into an escape plot involving Blake, with a former prisoner claiming that the KGB believed Blake was still useful to them. The plan involved a helicopter escape, but MI5 deemed it unfounded. Blake's Determination to Escape: Blake was determined to escape and felt a sense of duty to challenge his lengthy sentence. He sought assistance from Sean Bourke and others. Sean Bourke's Involvement: Sean Bourke, a fellow inmate and writer, became instrumental in planning Blake's escape. He successfully smuggled in two-way radios for communication. Involvement of Michael Randle and Pat Pottle: Michael Randle and Pat Pottle, who were friends of Blake and involved in the Peace Movement, offered their support to Bourke in planning Blake's escape.
Search for Funding: Randle and Pottle struggled to raise funds for the escape operation but received assistance from a woman named 'Bridget,' who wanted to donate her inheritance to a worthy cause. Securing a Hiding Place: The text mentions that there was still a challenge to secure a hiding place for Blake before he could flee the country.
Escape Plan Details: George Blake's escape plan involved flying out of England to Dublin or Shannon in Ireland using a forged passport obtained from an underworld contact. He aimed to continue his journey to the Middle East or an Eastern Bloc country.
Disguise: Inspired by the book "Black Like Me," Blake's associate, Michael Randle, and Sean Bourke considered making Blake pass as an Arab. They acquired the necessary drugs to alter his appearance.
Rope Ladder: The team debated whether the rungs of the rope ladder should be made of rope or wood but eventually settled on using size thirteen knitting needles, which were light yet sturdy enough to support a person's weight.
Getaway Vehicle: Bourke traded in his car for a replacement that could serve as a getaway vehicle under a false name and address.
Safe House: Bourke rented a flat at 28 Highlever Road under the assumed name of Michael Sigsworth. This flat would serve as a safe house for Blake.
Escape Date: The escape date was set for Saturday, 22 October 1966, and Blake was eager to proceed quickly to avoid new security measures being implemented at Wormwood Scrubs.
Final Preparations: Bourke bought clothes for Blake and even purchased a television for the safe house. Blake appeared surprisingly happy during a visit from his mother.
Escape Briefing: Bourke had a final conversation with Blake regarding the escape plan using walkie-talkies, recording it for Randle and Pottle to hear. They discussed the detailed escape procedure.
Final Meeting: On Friday evening, 21 October, the plotters had a final meeting, during which they went through the escape route thoroughly and then destroyed all notes and maps.
No Weapons: Randle and Pottle demanded assurance from Bourke that he wouldn't carry a weapon during the operation, and Bourke agreed but was prepared to resist if necessary.
The Scene Set: With all preparations made, Bourke felt the weight of the impending escape, knowing there was no turning back. Blake's escape was set to mirror the method used by Charlie Wilson in a previous prison escape.
1. George Blake, a double agent, planned an escape from Wormwood Scrubs Prison.
2. Blake and his accomplice, Sean Bourke, set 6:15 p.m. as the time for their escape.
3. Bourke prepared for the escape, buying food and disguises, including a bunch of chrysanthemums.
4. Blake and Bourke had a final conversation before the operation.
5. Bourke provided Blake with new clothes, a London A to Z map, and a rope ladder.
6. Blake made his escape by climbing down the rope ladder from a window in the prison.
7. Bourke faced unexpected challenges on the outside, including a traffic jam and a van in his way.
8. Blake successfully landed on the ground outside the prison, but Bourke's car bumped into another vehicle.
9. Despite the collision, Bourke managed to drive Blake to safety in a residential area.
10. Blake suffered injuries during the escape, including a cut forehead and a possibly broken wrist.
11. News of Blake's escape spread rapidly, leading to a nationwide manhunt.
12. Michael Randle, who had connections to Bourke and Blake, received the news of the escape with relief.
13. The escape was reported on the BBC evening news.
14. Blake and Bourke celebrated their escape but knew that fleeing the country would be a complex challenge.
George Blake, also known as 'Whispering Grass,' was a prominent figure in the criminal underworld due to his escape from prison. Shaw Taylor, the host of the program Police Five, sought the public's help in solving Blake's escape, emphasizing the importance of finding clues. Detectives were investigating leads, such as the homemade rope ladder and a pot of pink chrysanthemums, to trace Blake's whereabouts.
An offer of help came from Mr. J.L. Taylor of the Institute of Psychical Studies, proposing a method to locate individuals using map divination, but Scotland Yard declined the offer.
Blake's fellow inmate, Phil Morris, initially denied involvement but later became more defensive under police questioning.
Blake's escape involved seeking medical attention for an injured wrist, and he received care from a doctor and assistance from his accomplices in finding a place to hide.
The article mentions various locations where Blake was temporarily hidden, including Highlever Road and Nevern Road. Marcelle Papworth's unexpected disclosure to her analyst about Blake's presence led to a hasty departure from one of their hideouts. Michael Randle and Pat Pottle played key roles in providing shelter and security for George Blake.
The article discusses the challenges faced by the police in locating Blake and the various theories and speculations surrounding his escape. A parliamentary debate highlighted concerns about prison security and the government's response to the Blake escape, including the possibility of a censure motion against the Home Secretary, Roy Jenkins.
George Blake's escape from prison was a matter of concern for national security. Prime Minister Harold Wilson reassured that SIS and MI5 concluded Blake's disappearance didn't endanger anyone's life. The concern was whether the Soviets might use Blake for propaganda purposes. Sir Dick White, Head of SIS, believed that publicity related to Kim Philby would be more damaging to the national cause than anything regarding Blake. George Blake's knowledge was considered outdated, as he had no access to state secrets since September 1960. Plans were made to smuggle George Blake out of the country in a camper van, with a hidden compartment. Blake considered East Germany as his destination, as he had knowledge of the area and believed it would minimize contact with authorities. Pat Pottle and Anne Randle were chosen to accompany Blake on this journey. The escape from Britain involved crossing several borders and facing scrutiny from border guards. Blake emerged from the hidden compartment near the East German checkpoint and began his walk towards the border, aware that convincing the guards would be a challenge. George Blake's unexpected arrival in East Berlin in December was met with skepticism initially, as he demanded to meet a senior Soviet intelligence official. Sergei Kondrashev, a former handler of Blake from their time in London, identified him and confirmed his identity to Soviet intelligence. Blake was warmly welcomed by Soviet authorities and given a comfortable villa in East Berlin.
MI5 received a report suggesting that Blake had arrived in East Berlin, raising suspicions in Western intelligence circles.
Blake sent letters with a Cairo postmark to his family and contacts to mislead Western intelligence about his location.
Blake was eventually taken to Moscow, where he was kept under tight security to prevent potential Western attempts to kidnap or assassinate him.
Blake struggled to adapt to life in Moscow during the Brezhnev era, where he observed the limitations and inefficiencies of the Communist society.
Despite his hope that his family might join him, his divorce from Gillian was finalized, and his marriage ended.
His friendship with Bourke, with whom he shared a flat, began to deteriorate. George Blake's presence in Moscow became known to the British Embassy in September 1967 when he walked in to speak with officials there.
George Blake's Appearance: He was described as having a squarish face, dark curly hair, and a ruddy complexion. He spoke English with a soft Southern Irish brogue and was considered intelligent.
Motives for His Actions: Blake confessed to having planned and carried out the escape of another spy, but he claimed he did it because he believed the sentence of the escaped spy (likely referring to George Blake himself) was inhumane.
Disillusionment with Exile: Blake became disillusioned with life in Moscow, feeling like a "fish out of water." He missed the freedom and familiarity of London and Dublin.
Meeting British Diplomats: Blake approached the British Embassy to ask for refuge and help in leaving the Soviet Union. The diplomats listened as he explained his situation and motives. Relationship with Sean Bourke: Sean Bourke helped Blake escape, but their relationship soured in Moscow. Bourke felt that Blake had used him to make his escape and then discarded him.
Receiving Awards: George Blake was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Combat Red Banner for his service in the Soviet Union.
Later Life and Family: In Moscow, Blake started a family, and his life improved. He had a son named Misha, and he reconciled with his sons from his previous marriage, Anthony, James, and Patrick.
Rift with Kim Philby: Blake had a falling out with Kim Philby after a breach of trust involving photographs, but they later reconciled.
Interview and Television Appearance: George Blake made a television appearance in the late 1980s, discussing his life in the Soviet Union and his adjustment to a different society.
