Ian Fleming's Secret War

by Craig Cabell

While his extravagant and glamorous lifestyle is well known, little has been published concerning Ian Fleming's contribution during the Second World War.

In the very early days of the War, Fleming was earmarked by the Director of Naval Intelligence as his 'right hand man'. From the outset he was in the center of events, meeting with key political and military figures as well as those of exceptional intelligence, experience and courage. All this was to give him invaluable background when he came to write the Bond novels.

The author has uncovered through official documentation, private papers and contacts the depth of Fleming's work in Naval Intelligence. Fascinating insights of those he worked with and details of covert trips to Europe and North Africa emerge.

Fleming was closely associated with 30 Assault Unit, a crack team of Commandos who took the fight to the enemy. The book reveals both the history of 30 AU and Fleming's role.

Genres: History, Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Relstuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief look at the WWII contributions of Ian Fleming who went on to create James Bond and the children's book (and Disney movie) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Fleming worked for the head of Navel Intelligence during WWII and along his administrative duties was one England's idea men who helped come up with a commando unit that would go on missions to capture intel and plans from the enemy.

[Éowyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but really needed a good proof reading!

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian Fleming secret war is a short and easy to read book describing Ian Fleming's involvement with some covert operations from the British government during WW two. Though the book was interesting and easy to read, overall the material that it shared was rather dry. The book mentioned various operations that Fleming was a part of, but then proceeded to mainly describe the paperwork that he filled out for the operations and discuss all the people who actually took part in the operations. Although interesting and informative it was not nearly as exciting as a James Bond novel or anything like it. Ian Fleming was more of a concept man and paper pusher though he did take much inspiration from those around him who later appeared in various forms in his bond novels. If you enjoy the bond novels you will enjoy the real life influences mentioned in this book.

[Jay Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine tribute to a fine writer

This book opened my eyes to the important contribution Ian Fleming made to winning WW II. It also puts Fleming in perspective as a writer. While it wanders in places, it is still well crafted, and leaves one interested in some other players in the Secret War.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slim volume that wasn't an easy route into the subject. Dense with British wartime acronym and abbreviation, it told of many fascinating aspects of Fleming's time in military intelligence, the working atmosphere that allowed him to be creative in operations planning, and the lack of recognition for his secret work motivating him to write the James Bond stories. Unfortunately, it doesn't usually cohere well. The specialist historian or intelligence nerd will find much of interest, and the book collector can appreciate the detailed bibliography of rare Fleming editions. Good research went into the book, many interesting questions regarding Fleming's war work are revisited, but I wish the proofreading had been a bit more meticulous.

[Jay D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book summarizing his special ops work.

[M2189 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of template for future authors looking for ideas then stories. There is a lot that the British have still not let out.

[Gareth-Stuart Ogg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but lacking structure. It's a good read but it reads more like a series of essays as opposed to a structured story of Flemmings time in the NID