Red Dusk and the Morrow: Adventures and Investigations in Soviet Russia

by Paul Henry Dukes

An extraordinary true life espionage classic and a fascinating document of the horror and excesses of early Soviet Russia. Paul Dukes was sent into Russia in 1918, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution. His role was to keep British spy networks in place during the 'Red Terror'.

Genres: History, Espionage, Spy Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Russia, Nonfiction

282 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1922

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm putting this with THE OTHER BOOK I keep telling everyone, I know, to read: even the cover of this book gives me that same feeling of suspense.

Before, during, and after the revolution, Paul Henry Dukes was in Russia: the dust had not yet settled and the 'Red Terror' was all about him.

What was he doing? Working for MI6: a field operative, on dangerous assignments: he was building a network of sources and gathering information for the British Government (MI6).

But also:

'Smuggling potential victims of 'the terror' out of Russia along the courier (escape) lines'. Hard lessons (betrayal) taught them to segment the escape line, so that no one person knew of its entire route, or of all the players taking part (the need-to-know doctrine): now, where have I heard that before?

Mr Dukes was 'the man of a hundred faces' and able to pass himself off as Russian: his command of the language was such: now, where have I heard that before?

Half the country are hunting him. His name, and his face is everywhere. Relying on good, trusted, friends and at times 'the sticks' he escapes Russia: now, where have I heard that before?

So, ... everything one could ever wish to know is in this 'gem'. How the courier routes came to be and how the Soviet system came to be infiltrated by those who were prepared to endure the horror and work for a better future. Where have I heard that before?

I do hope you know where I'm going with this. There was so much upheaval during those years that I bet, with so many 'wanted' people disappearing (along the courier lines), 'after the thaw' no one ever stopped to ask, 'where are the bodies?'.

I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. That is the question that must be asked. I asked it. I asked it of Mr Carlyle: he replied, "Good Question."

It's my belief that Mr Dukes was undoubtedly a man not willing to shout of his exploits and more wanting to allow those laurels to rest with others: I get that same feeling from another author whose work I've read, in the recent past.

This is a must read for anyone at all interested in what is, still, (I'm convinced of it) 'going-on-under-the-radar' in that 'neck-of-the-woods'.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Dukes, ‘The Man of 100 Faces’, and none of this is fiction. I stayed up late every night with this. This is the fastest I’ve read a book. To think a man with no training in the art of ‘spying’ could achieve all he did and survive. ‘Bloomin-eck’, he was a musician, before MI-6 sent him a telex, recalled him to London and basically informed him of a career change.

You have to read this, he was, at one point, the most wanted man in Russia and he was still wandering the streets and going about his ‘spying’.

There is so much that you would otherwise, if you ever thought this might be fiction, be a touch sceptical over: the use of forged and genuine identifications, changes in attire, different types of spectacles, hats and facial appearance, and, the ability to stand in front of a security official and state your case, knowing the whole country is looking for you.

Paul Dukes ran courier lines, using White Army officers as his runners, to sneak his stolen information out of the country: the sneaky ways and methods they used are all in here. How he managed to stay one-step ahead of the secret police: bed hopping, hedge-hopping, grave-hopping.

What I found most interesting is the team of ‘trusted friends’ he relied upon to achieve all he was able.

How he managed to hide from his hunters and flee the country, with bundles of stolen info, is just incredible.

I am now an ‘espionage fan’ – and I’ve just joined the ‘Espionage Group’.

‘Operation Mincemeat’, then .... ‘Go Spy the Land’: I’m still in awe of Captain George Hill, then .... ‘Red Dusk and the Morrow’, which I praise as highly as G.S.t L.

Paul Dukes? I’ve seen his picture (it’s on the Net) – he’s a dish.

What’s next?

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot add anymore than has already been written.

Sir Paul Dukes was a kind man; he cared about people. It leaves me in awe to think of what he took on without training or any real preparedness.

Sir Paul Dukes was an incredible human being.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is, commonly, believed that, Paul Henry Dukes 'held a position as a language teacher in Riga, Latvia and later moved to St. Petersburg, having been recruited personally by Mansfield Smith-Cumming, the head of MI6 ('C'), to act as a secret agent in Imperial Russia, because of his fluency in the Russian language'.

If you care to trust in the word of Paul Henry Dukes - and I would venture you'll have no doubt of his word should you read this book - "in the frosty sunshine of the afternoon of March 11th, 1917, I was stood on Nevsky Prospect", St Petersburg witnessing the death and destruction and knowing the revolution was in the offing. Although, "nominally" in the employ of the British Foreign Office, he was in Russia as a member of the Anglo-Russian Commission. "I was in Samara, a year after the revolution, training a detachment of boy-scouts" when he received an urgent telegram from London asking him to return immediately.

Upon his return, Mansfield Smith-Cumming asked him to undergo a 'few-weeks' training (ciphers, invisible ink and the like - he'd no previous knowledge, training or experience of 'spying') and then 'go-back'; and, in the words of Paul Henry Dukes, "enquire" of what was happening with regard to the revolution: the network of spies previously sending information to London had collapsed.

Part 1, of the book, is Paul Henry Dukes' account of his activities in Russia, for and on behalf of MI6. If at any time 'the enquirer' had been arrested, he almost certainly would have been tortured and executed: "courageous enough," I would say. You'll read of a few 'close-shaves', a few encounters with the 'Cheka', a few hasty retreats and an amount of 'hiding-in-the-shadows', but at no point does this man's account entertain you with death defying exploits. Yet, 'he returned to Britain a distinguished hero, and in 1920 was knighted by King George V, who called Dukes the "greatest of all soldiers." To this day, Dukes is the only person knighted based entirely on his exploits in espionage.'

I think Paul Henry Dukes might also be honoured with the title of, 'Master of Modesty'. I did come away with the impression, Mr Dukes would be happy to keep his light under a bushel.

Part 2, is Mr Dukes' summation of the Russian people, the revolution and the consequences to come. In his words: "But the greatest and most inspiring lesson of all will be the ultimate example of the Russian people, by wondrous patience and invincible endurance overcoming their present and perhaps even greater tribulation, and emerging triumphant through persevering belief in the truths of that philosophy which the Communists describe as ‘the opium of the people’".

A remarkable book. An absolute pleasure to read: and, this underpins my belief that 'eventually' the ordinary people of this great country will one day be free of the choke first put around them all those years ago.

[Otto Benz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating description of Russia post revolution and first world war by the British spy sent into Petrograd to report back on the situation. Paul Dukes subsisted in highly difficult conditions and writes about his experiences with the people and in the Red Army. Feels very fresh, even after 100 years. The reports of his dashing entries and exits over the dangerous borders are grippingly exciting. This book should be compulsory reading for any communist sympathisers to turn them off.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Henry Dukes was knighted by the King upon his return to Britain. The only person ever knighted for their work for the intelligence community.

If you do read this, you'll see why.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting combination of espionage-thriller, reminiscences of an MI6 Agent and commentary on the Bolshevik revolution by someone who lived in St. Petersburg prior to and during the early years of the revolution. Lots of action, intrigue, tension and adventure. Well written, very engaging and most importantly, it rings true.

[Pctrollbreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of two parts, firstly a memoir of the authors time in Russia spying for the UK during the early part of the Red Terror. The second, less exciting but more interesting, part of the book is an analysis of Russian situation.

The adventure part of the book is written with a style and flare that make you think that you are reading Buchan or Sapper. A tense exciting spy thriller, although except for a few sections crossing the border, Dukes is more Smiley than Bond, agent runner not agent. If anything this makes the story even more tense and real. You really get the feeling of pervasive fear and confusion in the early Soviet Russia, this comes across as a society brutalised and in shock.

The story is very human describing Duke's adventures, the people he meets, the intrigues that he is involved in. You really understand the authors genuine sympathy, affection for the people he deals with and his concern with the way that the system is starting to crush them.

This part of the book is worth reading, not just for the sense of adventure, but also for the understanding that you get of the Petrograd of the period.

The second part of the book is an analysis of Russia as Paul Dukes new it at the time. It is remarkable how close this analysis is to modern assessments of the period, however, Dukes brings his analysis to life with stories and anecdotes based on his own personal experience to bring to life what could be a very dry thesis. When you read a comparison of the oratorical styles of Trotsky, Lenin and Zinoviev, by someone who actually saw all three in action you get the chills.

This part of the book is also makes for a poignant read. It is written without the benefit of hindsight and without reference to Stalin. There is still hope that everything will turn out all right. A hope that was dashed. Every time you read about independence of the peasants, the more you understand why the Bolsheviks needed to crush them and how a few years later Stalin came to kill millions of them. The author makes a point of explaining that whilst a lot of Bolsheviks are Jewish, just as many Jews hate Bolshevism and just want to live normal lives. He uses this point to warn against those he promote pogroms against the Jews because of the beliefs of only some of their number. A tragic warning of what was to come.

The Russian Revolution is one of those events where there is no neutrality. You are either for Communism or against it. I am anti-Bolshevik. The only niggle in this book is that Dukes was a serious anti-Bolshevik and this book was published (and allowed to be published by the British Government) as part of an anti-bolshevik campaign. The only possible niggle with this book is that there are occasions, particularly in the first section of the book, where the anti-bolshevik propaganda is a bit heavy handed. Now for me, this panders nicely to my own pre-conceptions, and even makes me smile. To an pro-communist though, I imagine that this book would be quite irritating to read.

I would certainly recommend reading this book if you are at all interested in this period of history.

[Jimp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Operation Kronstadt, in which Harry Ferguson interweaves the plight of Paul Dukes, led me to this. I think Ferguson's pen, as it does only too frequently, gave way to the lengths Ian Fleming and Robert Ludlum reach in their well-read views of 'spy-work'.

In this, Paul Dukes gives, firstly, his own account of his time in Russia, (which lacks all and any embellishment) working as an undercover British agent, immediately post the Bolshevik revolution; which does indeed take your breath, at times, when reading of the risks he lived under and the close shaves he survived.

Secondly and I would suggest just as revealing, he provides his view on the Russian people and the quagmire they'd become marooned within as a consequence of the recent insurrection.

Paul Dukes was undoubtedly a determined and brave man along with tremendous care and concern for Russia and its people.

I cannot lay claim to reading any great academic works, but I must say I found this to be most informative and being a first-hand study of those terrible days by an astute and searching mind, I would suggest this is a most worthy read for anyone hoping to fully understand the history of Eastern-Europe in the early years of the last century.

This, without doubt, is a thriller. But also, the story of a man who truly cares about the future of those he has lived and worked with.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words, I'm convinced, could adequately describe how engrossing I became when reading of this man's exploits. You can find all you want about Paul Dukes from the web, so I'll not try to. He was in foreign lands doing fun and friendly activities: teaching, playing music, helping the youth, being a positive influence. The boss of the British Spies, asks him to become a spy in Russia, a Russia in the throws of revolution. He agrees and without any training gets to it.
What comes from this is how dedicated, determined, disciplined, dogged and devoted Paul Dukes was to helping those he could. He cared for Russia and the people. He put his life on the line for Russia and the people.
It's a memoir. It's not a fanciful account of his time away. It's testament to the calibre of a man.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic first-hand account by a British spy of conditions in Russia after the Bolshevik takeover.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began my reading journey with a want to read my way around the world. I want to travel the world and so want to learn of it whilst saving my pennies. I strayed toward accounts of women who've played a part in our history and here I am swooning over a bunch of men who I see as quite remarkable. I'm hooked and I'd say, I'll be here for a while yet.

This was gift from Mary on the promise it will go back when read. I want to keep it. I won't. I'll try and hunt down a second-hand copy.

It is rather humbling to read of a man who risked everything without a thought for personal gain. It can be argued that he put others lives on the line for Britain's gain. He never at any time twisted an arm. He was not in the game of developing sources:

'It's termed ‘Development’ when the good guys do it. When the opposition do it, the company speak of coercion, intimidation, and blackmail.'*

He was there to steal secrets and sources he handled lost their life, but Paul Dukes put the safety of people first.

This was difficult to put down.

* The Roads Chosen.

[Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A personal account, written by Paul Henry Dukes of his time in Russia, DOWNPLAYING the courage, resourcefulness, intelligence, ingenuity, kindness and generosity, of Paul Henry Dukes.

Not only is Paul Henry Dukes probably one of the most handsome men to have walked this planet, he is probably one of the most principled and genuinely empathetic men to have walked this planet.

Now, having read this, I can agree: this book belongs, permanently, under my pillow.

[Maisie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not able to find the words to detail the courage and the compassion of this man. His account of the time he spent in revolutionary Russia is a testament to the high character shown by those that I am sure can be counted on one hand.

[Kamil Burgazlı]

Yep horror. Horror for capitalists and monarchists.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I say old boy these winsome roosky check-ka gals aren't half as comely as the ladies back in wapping eh wot

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is jaw dropping. I've read it three times; it is an incredible account.

[Dottie (I'm not dotty) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing tale. It is incredulous to think that a person could survive through all of what he set out to do. I had no idea the British would send people out with little more than a ten pound note and the wish, 'Do I try and stay in touch.'

He fell in love with the people and I could sense the anguish in him over what became of the country.

[Jimbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The espionage is incidental and less interesting than the vivid depiction of life in Petersburg in the months after the 1917 revolutions.