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Britain's Master Spy: The Adventures of Sidney Reilly
British spy Sidney Reilly looks at his life and his attempt to overthrow the Bolshevik regime in Russia and restore the Czar.
290 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 30, 2022
Split into two halves, and both written in the first person, this is thoroughly informative read: the first by Sydney Reilly and the second by his wife, Pepita Bobadilla. Both narratives are all the more credible by the fact that Appendix One is:
REPORT TO THE WAR OFFICE, LONDON - From Captain George Alexander Hill, dated, Nov. 26th, 1918. This report gives a full account of Captain Hill's actions from September 1917 to September 1918 and testifies to the accuracy of the two narratives. And, Captain Hill, the author of 'Go Spy the Land', his memoirs of that time, cannot, by anyone, be accused of embellishment.
I've now read, Red Dusk and the Morrow, the memoirs of Paul Dukes who worked on behalf of British Service inside Russia in the wake of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution. Paul Dukes worked alongside Sydney Reilly, Bruce Lockhart and George Hill, during those tragic times and in his memoirs commends the character and the actions of Sydney Reilly; as does Captain Hill in his memoirs; as does Bruce McFarland Lockhart, 'The Memoirs of a British Agent.'
It would seem, to me, if only me, that Sydney Reilly was 'a master spy' - 'the ace of spies' a most brave, daring and loyal servant. Other authors that I've read suggest anything but, some, I know, have even suggested Reilly was not even present in Petrograd, on 31st August 1918, when Commander Cromie was killed. It would seem, to me, if only me, that those who were present during those days might disagree.
This not only belongs on the same shelf as the memoirs I have listed, it also gives a real insight into the Russian people, Reilly's utmost respect for them and his love of their land.
It is quite obvious that Reilly is able, as he does, to speak of their failings, their successes and the reasons for all. The discordant 'White' factions are called to account and there is much in here of the 'Whites' and their lack of good leadership. A leadership, that this work might suggest, certain quarters were looking for from these members of the British Service. The 'courier service' (the couriers being mostly 'White' officers) is spoken of and it is worth noting the number of couriers willing to put their lives on the line in this most dangerous of occupations.
It is interesting to read how Reilly portrays individuals under leadership as most brave and willing, yet when leadership is wanting the differing groups as weighed down with an acceptance of their fate. With a common enemy (the Red tyrant) I struggle to understand how the majority, and it was a vast majority) were not able to put differences aside, come together and function as a one. They must all have seen that a failure to rid the nation of the wanton cruelty unleashed by the Bolshevik evil would destroy the very fabric of the nation.
Sydney Reilly and Pepita Bobadilla could clearly see that, and were devoted to each other and devoted to their efforts in trying to rid Russia of the Bolshevik menace, without a thought for their own selves of any monetary reward.
Much is said of Sidney Reilly being a fantasist and story-teller; having read this work and those quoted above, I doubt any and all of the naysaying.
REPORT TO THE WAR OFFICE, LONDON - From Captain George Alexander Hill, dated, Nov. 26th, 1918. This report gives a full account of Captain Hill's actions from September 1917 to September 1918 and testifies to the accuracy of the two narratives. And, Captain Hill, the author of 'Go Spy the Land', his memoirs of that time, cannot, by anyone, be accused of embellishment.
I've now read, Red Dusk and the Morrow, the memoirs of Paul Dukes who worked on behalf of British Service inside Russia in the wake of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution. Paul Dukes worked alongside Sydney Reilly, Bruce Lockhart and George Hill, during those tragic times and in his memoirs commends the character and the actions of Sydney Reilly; as does Captain Hill in his memoirs; as does Bruce McFarland Lockhart, 'The Memoirs of a British Agent.'
It would seem, to me, if only me, that Sydney Reilly was 'a master spy' - 'the ace of spies' a most brave, daring and loyal servant. Other authors that I've read suggest anything but, some, I know, have even suggested Reilly was not even present in Petrograd, on 31st August 1918, when Commander Cromie was killed. It would seem, to me, if only me, that those who were present during those days might disagree.
This not only belongs on the same shelf as the memoirs I have listed, it also gives a real insight into the Russian people, Reilly's utmost respect for them and his love of their land.
It is quite obvious that Reilly is able, as he does, to speak of their failings, their successes and the reasons for all. The discordant 'White' factions are called to account and there is much in here of the 'Whites' and their lack of good leadership. A leadership, that this work might suggest, certain quarters were looking for from these members of the British Service. The 'courier service' (the couriers being mostly 'White' officers) is spoken of and it is worth noting the number of couriers willing to put their lives on the line in this most dangerous of occupations.
It is interesting to read how Reilly portrays individuals under leadership as most brave and willing, yet when leadership is wanting the differing groups as weighed down with an acceptance of their fate. With a common enemy (the Red tyrant) I struggle to understand how the majority, and it was a vast majority) were not able to put differences aside, come together and function as a one. They must all have seen that a failure to rid the nation of the wanton cruelty unleashed by the Bolshevik evil would destroy the very fabric of the nation.
Sydney Reilly and Pepita Bobadilla could clearly see that, and were devoted to each other and devoted to their efforts in trying to rid Russia of the Bolshevik menace, without a thought for their own selves of any monetary reward.
Much is said of Sidney Reilly being a fantasist and story-teller; having read this work and those quoted above, I doubt any and all of the naysaying.
June 28, 2017
Adventures of a British Master Spy: The Memoirs of Sidney Reilly is Sidney Reilly’s and at least one of his wives tell their version of his last days alive and in freedom. At least part of the story is verified by a third co-author a fellow member of the British espionage system. How much of what is told here is truth and how much is in the service of Mr. Reilly’s known and unknown motives is what makes this book a tricky read. I can recommend this book. If you know about Sidney his truth is elusive. His propaganda is not. He is right in his disgust with the Russian Revolutionary government. He is right to work for its violent end. What keeps this from being a better read is the portions written by his wife. Nellie Burton. The portions taken from his notes and from the ends note of Royal Air Force Captain Hill are relatively straight forward.
Sidney Reilly, often listed as the ‘Ace of Spies’ was one of several people listed by Ian Flemming as inspirations for James Bond. Sidney was Russian born who passed himself off as Irish. He is created as being a creator of the modern spy, that is a more or less free agent taking work where and whit whomever would offer. There is reason to believe he was capable of murder to further his personal goals and some of the possible activities he performed as a secret operative may not have been in the best interests of America or his more typical employer, the British.
There are several biographies on this man and at least one BBC Television miniseries. Having read and seen, I am only certain that the real story is not known. The embellishments are romantic and intriguing.
The event of this memoir stretch from roughly his possible involvement in an effort to assassinate Lenin to his more probable involvement in a complex plot to trap and or kill the Soviet Politburo. There is some independent verification for his efforts in these directions. His narrative reads as so complex and involving so many people it is most believable when he describes how much time he spent avoiding the NKVD (later the KGB). That many people and that much money with the stakes that high and much of his organization was vulnerable if not penetrated from the start. His memoirs end as he is drawn back into the Soviet Union for purposes unclear and at the behest of people he should not have credited. The real Sidney Reilly is believed to have been lured into the Soviet Union, captured and killed. He would also receive a medal for services rendered to British Intelligence.
It is at this point that his last wife Nellie Burton resumes the story taking up from where they had met not long before the events already narrated. We see Sidney as she would wish us to see him and experience her terror as she is drawn into first the edges and then too close to the center of Soviet intrigues against any they believed to be a threat.
The book ends with a field report by Captain Hill, explaining what he knew of Reilly’s possible operations and of his problems operating an intelligence concern inside of what had quickly moved from being an allied nation to a hostile one.
The stark facts of these memoirs may be compelling enough for many readers. These are the thoughts and impressions of people with firsthand knowledge of just how bad Revolutionary Russia was. The quality of the writing drags down what should be a more effective and effecting story.
Sidney Reilly, often listed as the ‘Ace of Spies’ was one of several people listed by Ian Flemming as inspirations for James Bond. Sidney was Russian born who passed himself off as Irish. He is created as being a creator of the modern spy, that is a more or less free agent taking work where and whit whomever would offer. There is reason to believe he was capable of murder to further his personal goals and some of the possible activities he performed as a secret operative may not have been in the best interests of America or his more typical employer, the British.
There are several biographies on this man and at least one BBC Television miniseries. Having read and seen, I am only certain that the real story is not known. The embellishments are romantic and intriguing.
The event of this memoir stretch from roughly his possible involvement in an effort to assassinate Lenin to his more probable involvement in a complex plot to trap and or kill the Soviet Politburo. There is some independent verification for his efforts in these directions. His narrative reads as so complex and involving so many people it is most believable when he describes how much time he spent avoiding the NKVD (later the KGB). That many people and that much money with the stakes that high and much of his organization was vulnerable if not penetrated from the start. His memoirs end as he is drawn back into the Soviet Union for purposes unclear and at the behest of people he should not have credited. The real Sidney Reilly is believed to have been lured into the Soviet Union, captured and killed. He would also receive a medal for services rendered to British Intelligence.
It is at this point that his last wife Nellie Burton resumes the story taking up from where they had met not long before the events already narrated. We see Sidney as she would wish us to see him and experience her terror as she is drawn into first the edges and then too close to the center of Soviet intrigues against any they believed to be a threat.
The book ends with a field report by Captain Hill, explaining what he knew of Reilly’s possible operations and of his problems operating an intelligence concern inside of what had quickly moved from being an allied nation to a hostile one.
The stark facts of these memoirs may be compelling enough for many readers. These are the thoughts and impressions of people with firsthand knowledge of just how bad Revolutionary Russia was. The quality of the writing drags down what should be a more effective and effecting story.
August 15, 2019
This 1932 publication provides some interesting details of Sydney Reilly's activities from just after the Russian Revolution until his disappearance and believed murder. A native Russian, he was working for the British government to overthrow the Bolshevik Revolution, which he believed was an abomination for Russia. His widow finishes the book with detailed observations and letters which were exchanged between Reilly and forces within Russia still hoping to subvert the Revolution. It is an important albeit unembellished narrative of a time which sowed the seeds for the "Cold War" we've had with Russia for the past 100 years. I got bored and abandoned the final 1/4 of the book which consisted of "coded" letters exchanged by Reilly and his Russian coherts. However, I've read and there are many well written books about him as well as the U.S. Secret Mission in Siberia.
One British motive was to recapture the attention of the Russian fighters who had abandoned fighting for the Allies in WWI on the Eastern front to join the Revolution against the White Russian Tsars and their coherts. The U.S. became emeshed in this tangle, with Wilson creating the draft in 1917 and sending U.S. soldiers to fight for the Allies. At the same time, the U.S. was engaged in a secret mission in Siberia to stop the Revolution and keep the supply trains running across eastern Russia to support the Allies military efforts.
One British motive was to recapture the attention of the Russian fighters who had abandoned fighting for the Allies in WWI on the Eastern front to join the Revolution against the White Russian Tsars and their coherts. The U.S. became emeshed in this tangle, with Wilson creating the draft in 1917 and sending U.S. soldiers to fight for the Allies. At the same time, the U.S. was engaged in a secret mission in Siberia to stop the Revolution and keep the supply trains running across eastern Russia to support the Allies military efforts.
December 13, 2021
“I was certain to be arrested and recognized. Well, I had a Colt in my pocket, and there would be a few fresh faces in hell before I put the last bullet into my own head, rather than fall into the hands of that scum.”
Reilly may have stretched out the truth like it was Kevin James in a pair of leggings, but the well-supported yarn he spins of his adventure in Russia — and his wife’s recount of his final years — makes for oft-exciting reading, especially when supplemented by the excellent miniseries with Sam Neill
Reilly may have stretched out the truth like it was Kevin James in a pair of leggings, but the well-supported yarn he spins of his adventure in Russia — and his wife’s recount of his final years — makes for oft-exciting reading, especially when supplemented by the excellent miniseries with Sam Neill
September 30, 2022
Being a massive Bond fan, it would seem irrefutable to deny the opportunity to read up on one of histories greatest spies. The realisation of what comes with the role of a spy is made reality in the book from start to finish on Sidney Reilly.
September 2, 2019
The Soviet Bolshevik regime, spies, danger, persecution, hiding in the dark and waiting for the right moment. Thrilling!
September 16, 2025
This is an amazing and exciting story. The writing and the format is pretty haphazard; it is more a joint biography - Sidney and wife (one of the many) - it's still an exciting read.
March 12, 2021
The story opens in 1918 in Moscow with Sidney Reilly posing as Comrade Relinsky of the Tcheka-Criminel, a branch of the Soviet Secret Police. He also operates under the alias of M. Constantine, Chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service in Soviet Russia.
Reilly has arrived home after two years of service in Germany. Petrograd is broken. Moscow in no better. There are bodies, animal carcasses and trash everywhere. The streets run with blood. But he has arrived with a plan. This is Reilly’s account of the 1918 attempted overthrow of the Bolsheviks.
With everything in place and ready to go, two unfortunate occurrences derail the plan. The first is when M. Marchard correspondent for the Paris newspaper “Figaro” overhears part of the plan and is then in contact with the Soviets. The plan could possibly have succeeded if not for the second untimely happening, the interception of Mlle. Friode. She was the courier of information passed between her uncle, a high placed official in the Soviet Government and Reilly. At this point the plan falls apart.
The third Mrs. Reilly continues the story. She had become very involved in his mission.
Operatives of the attempted overthrow are being lured back to Russia, never to be heard from again. Reilly decides he must return also and is enticed by “The Trust” an anti-Bolshevik organization, back to Moscow. His network looses touch with him and fears he is dead.
Mrs. Reilly connects with this network to try to get Reilly out of Russia. “The Trust” is found to be an arm of the Soviet Secret Police. Because Marie Schultz felt responsible for putting Reilly in touch with the “The Trust”, she went to Russia to try to find him. Schultz was Mrs. Reilly’s last contact with any means of finding Reilly. When she was no longer heard from either, Mrs. Reilly returned to Paris to mourn the loss of her husband.
Of the three books I have read about Sidney Reilly, this one was the most engaging. However it did not have as much information about his life and escapades as the other ones I read.
Reilly has arrived home after two years of service in Germany. Petrograd is broken. Moscow in no better. There are bodies, animal carcasses and trash everywhere. The streets run with blood. But he has arrived with a plan. This is Reilly’s account of the 1918 attempted overthrow of the Bolsheviks.
With everything in place and ready to go, two unfortunate occurrences derail the plan. The first is when M. Marchard correspondent for the Paris newspaper “Figaro” overhears part of the plan and is then in contact with the Soviets. The plan could possibly have succeeded if not for the second untimely happening, the interception of Mlle. Friode. She was the courier of information passed between her uncle, a high placed official in the Soviet Government and Reilly. At this point the plan falls apart.
The third Mrs. Reilly continues the story. She had become very involved in his mission.
Operatives of the attempted overthrow are being lured back to Russia, never to be heard from again. Reilly decides he must return also and is enticed by “The Trust” an anti-Bolshevik organization, back to Moscow. His network looses touch with him and fears he is dead.
Mrs. Reilly connects with this network to try to get Reilly out of Russia. “The Trust” is found to be an arm of the Soviet Secret Police. Because Marie Schultz felt responsible for putting Reilly in touch with the “The Trust”, she went to Russia to try to find him. Schultz was Mrs. Reilly’s last contact with any means of finding Reilly. When she was no longer heard from either, Mrs. Reilly returned to Paris to mourn the loss of her husband.
Of the three books I have read about Sidney Reilly, this one was the most engaging. However it did not have as much information about his life and escapades as the other ones I read.
June 4, 2010
This book made me crazy! It's supposedly an autobiography based on the words of Reilly himself, but at least half of the book is written by his wife (another source claims it was a bigamous marriage). Their eyes met across a crowded hotel lobby, introduction was arranged and all bets were off after that. Mrs. Reilly's style is so very stilted that she makes Trollope seem like Jack Kerouac----very hard to read.
That being said, the background information is quite interesting----all the plots, double-agents, agents provocateurs, etc.
I wish PBS would bring back the wonderful Masterpiece Theatre series, Reilly, Ace of Spies with Sam Neill....that's what got me interested in this book to begin with but the chunk of wifey's writing is so stilted and rather sugar-coated that it took away from the inherent drama in the various situations presented.
That being said, the background information is quite interesting----all the plots, double-agents, agents provocateurs, etc.
I wish PBS would bring back the wonderful Masterpiece Theatre series, Reilly, Ace of Spies with Sam Neill....that's what got me interested in this book to begin with but the chunk of wifey's writing is so stilted and rather sugar-coated that it took away from the inherent drama in the various situations presented.
May 11, 2015
This book almost got 3 stars but declined as I went on. I loved the start where Sidney, the supposed inspiration for James Bond, gives a first person account of his attempts to overthrow the Bolsheviks and install a new government. The secrecy and double crossing just got mind boggling. Then the narrative is taken up by his wife, describing their first meeting up until his disappearance. She wasn't as a compelling writer as Sidney and sometimes I found her description of events extremely confusing. The last third of the book bored the pants off me - a very dry war report from the national archives. This is what made me drop a star.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews