The Man Who Was Saturday: The Extraordinary Life of Airey Neave

by Patrick Bishop

SOLDIER, ESCAPER, SPYMASTER, POLITICIAN – Airey Neave was assassinated in the House of Commons car park in 1979. Forty years after his death, Patrick Bishop’s lively, action-packed biography examines the life, heroic war and death of one of Britain’s most remarkable 20th century figures.

Airey Neave was one of the most extraordinary figures of his generation. Taken prisoner during WW2, he was the first British officer to escape from Colditz and using the code name ‘Saturday’ became a key figure in the IS9 escape and evasion organisation which spirited hundreds of Allied airmen and soldiers out of Occupied Europe. A lawyer by training, he served the indictments on the Nazi leaders at the Nuremburg war trials. An ardent Cold War warrior, he was mixed up in several of the great spy scandals of the period.

Most people might consider these achievements enough for a single career, but he went on to become the man who made Margaret Thatcher, mounting a brilliantly manipulative campaign in the 1975 Tory leadership to bring her to power.

And yet his death is as fascinating as his remarkable life. On Friday, 30 March 1979, a bomb planted beneath his car exploded while he was driving up the ramp of the House of Commons underground car park, killing him instantly. The murder was claimed by the breakaway Irish Republican group, the INLA. His killers have never been identified.

Patrick Bishop’s new book, published to mark the 40th anniversary of his death, is a lively and concise biography of this remarkable man. It answers the question of who killed him and why their identities have been hidden for so long and is written with the support of the Neave family.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, World War II, Ireland, War, Military Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Patrick Bishop was born in London in 1952 and went to Wimbledon College and Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Before joining the Telegraph he worked on the Evening Standard, the Observer and the Sunday Times and in television as a reporter on Channel Four News. He is the author with John Witherow of a history of the Falkands War based on their own experiences and with Eamon Mallie of The Provisional IRA which was praised as the first authoritative account of the modern IRA. He also wrote a memoir the first Gulf War, Famous Victory and a history of the Irish diaspora The Irish Empire, based on the TV series which he devised.

Reviews

[Claire Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. First half covering the war years was a 4. Second half about his political career got a bit boring which dragged the rating down.

[Bob Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Bishop’s biography of Airey Neave is an interesting, compelling and fascinating look into a time, place and world that was rapidly changing, evolving, and increasingly becoming more complex. The author has the skill, gift, and artistic awareness to write about a man who was very private, and his life was in many ways, an extraordinary journey encompassing interlocking and related careers. Airey Neave was background, a privileged establishment young Englishman who attended Eaton, with all of the advantages which Eaton brought to a young man who was privileged enough to call himself a graduate.

In writing this illumative biography, Patrick Bishop journeys through a series of doorways, each of which lead to a grand staircase, that when taken together, create a compelling and interesting study. Airey Neave was captured during the 2nd World War, and is best known for that period of his career as the first individual to escape from the German prison camp, deemed to be impossible to escape from, called Colditz. He went on during the war, becoming a leading figure in establishing escape and evading organizations in occupied Europe that helped downed fliers from the Allied Services to reach the safety of Spain and ultimately, rehabilitation back to the United Kingdom. Because he was a lawyer by training, he was seconded to act as one of the Allied members of the Tribunal at Nuremberg War Crimes Trials, an experience which left an indelible imprint on his character and values.

At the end of the war, he returned to the legal practice, and then in 1953, was elected a conservative member of Parliament for the district and town he lived in, Abingdon. His political career was highlighted by his support and skills at engineering the election of Margaret Thatcher by mounting a brilliantly manipulated campaign in 1975 won Margaret Thatcher of the Tory Party.

One of the most interesting aspects of this fascinating biography are the vignettes of a series of famous politicians that Patrick Bishop, the author, brings through his narrative. Indeed, you could say that this is as much a political history of the British Government in the ‘70s and ‘80s as it is the biography of Airey Neave.

As would be expected, from a man like Airey Neave, his death was as dramatic as his life, on the 30th of March, 1979, a bomb planted beneath his car exploded while he was driving up the ramp of the House of Commons car park, killing him. The murder was claimed by the breakaway Irish Republican Group, INLA. It is interesting his killers have never been identified. And the records surrounding his murder are still sealed and will not become public until 2075.

Patrick Bishop’s fast-paced and well-researched biography portrays a world that has all but disappeared from British society and politics today. Indeed, you could say it is a sympathetic portrait of a vanished breed, a public figure, shaped by his experience in war, driven by a strong set of moral values, grounded in patriotism and honor. I think it is a book that everyone would enjoy reading for quality of its writing and the insight it gives into a different era, place and time.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating account of the life of Airey Neave, the first Briton to escape from Colditz, and the MP who was assassinated in early 1979 as he drove his car out of the Houses of Parliament car park. Rather shamefully, my knowledge of Neave before reading this book was sketchy, but on finishing it, I have learned a lot and enjoyed doing so.

Bishop talks about Neave’s school and university days, in particular his socialising and dramatizing which took a toll on his academic qualification. From the outset, you get a picture of the kind of man Neave was – indeed, the theatrical costumes, disguise, and eloquent debate of his student days prepare him for future events which he becomes embroiled in. Neave’s war service is then detailed, as well as the injury which put pay to his fighting career and which ultimately led to his incarceration in Stalag XXa, a POW camp. Bishop then describes Neave’s two attempts to escape from here (these were compelling reading, worthy of featuring on the silver screen!) and his transferral to Colditz (and eventual escape from there too). Neave’s work in MI9 (where he is known as ‘Saturday’) and political career are then examined, as well as his role in promoting Margaret Thatcher’s candidacy as Conservative Party leader during Heath’s unstable premiership.
Bishop covers a lot of ground in this relatively concise biography, and therein lies its strength. No points are too drawn out, and facts are presented in an easy-to-digest way; there were no lengthy paragraphs of ‘dry’ facts that I felt inclined to skip over. Two separate plates of black and white photographs are included, picturing not only Neave in his many roles, but his family and fellow soldiers/resistance workers too.

This compelling biography contains elements of most things which would appeal to a wide readership. It has comic moments, it has action, it has suspense, it has poignancy, and it brings to the fore the dangers that soldiers, and local citizens, faced during German occupation in WW2. Each of these elements form a whole which is well-written, a joy to read, and one from which I have learned a lot.

[Bernie Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you write a review about a biography are you commenting on the life described or the authors skills?

I can't help thinking that the was more to this man than Patrick Bishop and indeed history describes.
The book and history make the whole focus on the events of just a few days his escape from colditz
Many others made daring escapes during war and indeed since yet they have not gone on to develop the hatred described in the book held for the IRA

Many of the other inspiration persons we read of achieved greatness through a peace seeking nature

I began to want to know why this politician of so many years was never elected to higher office no real explanation is given in the book

The only leader who wanted him in political office was thatcher and we all know how poor her choices were in selecting a cabinet and again why would he choose such a strange role as minister for Northern Ireland

If he had secret service connections why not home office or mod

No I have read an authors account of a life yet I don't know the man only the biased writings of Mr Bishop a shame

[Pirate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific biography by the master of the bon mot Patrick Bishop. From the anecdote of how early on he blamed Ramsay MacDonald's cuts for economies "The new budget has made Daddy sack John (the gardener)," absolving his pater from the blame..though doubt John cared little about whose fault it was....to his observation on seeing Mahatma Gandhi speak at Eton "Mr Gandhi was long-winded and shuffled round all the questions..." sets the tone for a highly entertaining read....which is all the more laudable given that the subject himself was so unassuming. All the more surprising as Neave's record in escaping from Colditz at the second attempt with a Dutch officer Lieutenant Luteyn and then establishing escape lines through Belgium and Occupied France is a remarkable one. His engimatic character -- and perhaps he was difficlt to get to know and not entirely clubbable -- reflected in he never saw his fellow escapee again....even after the War. Bishop writes at a fine gallop and enjoyed the insights into Ted Heath's character "He was a kind man but wthout a heart," and why Neave found Maggie -- after 1922 Chairman Edward du Cann's vacillating ended with him deciding not to run against Heath the former is brilliantly described by the author "a smooth-haired and impeccably-tailored tribune of the back bench plebs"-- very much his tasse du the...largely due to his admiration for several woman agents he used during WW II some like the haughty Mary Lindell (Comtesse de Milleville) less advisedly than others such as the resourceful Dedee aka Andree de Jongh who he stayed in touch with after she survived the concentration camps. Like many who had a good war he rarely spoke about it to his offspring but they believe he did have nightmares. His tragic brutal end -- he eschewed the offer of a security detail -- at the hands of the INLA is well researched and the background stories on some of their members very impressive but extraordinary and frustratingly for Neave's family is the refusal to release papers on the investigation by the Government...insensitive at best by the latter. The most chilling fact is that even without those papers Bishop reveals the likely culprit Harry Flynn is running a bar 'The Celts Well' in Mallorca and has been for years.... "where against a backdrop of Celtic FC and Republican memorabilia, he serves drinks to holidaymakers who do not know or do not care about his past." Justice maybe one day will catch up with Mr Flynn but for the moment at least Bishop has given Neave a deserving legacy in a cracking biography.

[Stephen Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book opened up well with an enticing prologue, but after that the first quarter was rather slow and the writing felt rather stilted.

After the first quarter the story of Airey's live increased in pace, the writing was less stodgy though at times there was a return to stodginess and you started to get an insight into the essence of Neave, how he impacted on the lives of those around him and subtly often in the background shaped the world we lived in through a political outlook based on what he saw as right and wrongly and despite his support of Thatcher broadly in line with the post war consensus apart from on Northern Ireland.

As a political nerd I found his role in the downfall of Heath and bringing Thatcher into power something that grabbed my attention and the writing brought this part of the story for life.

The chapter on the murder of Neave was written like a thriller and was a fitting and powerful ending.

Throughout the book I noticed minor inaccuracies which irked the pedant to me.

Although not flawless this is a good account of the inscrutable character of Neave, not an easy man to write a biography of, given he was scrupulous in keeping his private life to himself outside of keeping his escape from Colditz alive in the imagination of the public. I would recommend this book.

[Julian Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name of Airey Neave was legendary at my prep school, as a Colditz escapee. We’d all read the book, played the board game and watched the TV series (which as this biography points out focuses on another as it’s star). He was a hero. And for me his murder was a JFK moment - without even understanding the importance of his role in shaping Great Britain’s future. 
 
Patrick Bishop’s book magnificently explains that, and further engages our attention in a genuinely gripping tale of an extraordinary, and well lived life. 
 
Written like a fast-paced thriller, this biography of a soldier, spy, politician, and man of principle, is instantly engaging, highly readable and very insightful. 
 
I can not recommend enough. 

[Phil Curme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked out for fame following his escape from Colditz, Airey Neave went on to make his name as a conservative politician. Sadly, his political career ended prematurely when the INLA murdered him on the exit ramp of the House of Commons car park. What is less well known is his service in British intelligence, something that would have held him in good stead had he survived and taken on the role of Northern Ireland Secretary under Margaret Thatcher. A hard liner, his approach aligned with the policy subsequently adopted by the Government in which he would have served. (Though, in the slightly longer term a more nuanced and conciliatory approach produced a relatively peaceful outcome). This engaging book is a fitting tribute to a brave and principled man.

[Thomas McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting biography but I do think the analysis of Airey Neave's career was superficial. I appreciate a biographer can only work with the sources they have available. However, there are some questions which were unanswered or could have been better explored - why did he not obtain high office prior to Mrs Thatcher's leadership? What were his political views? His military career and how he ended up in the roles he did, there's a suggestion of nepotism to obtakn his position at Nuremburg but is this accurate?

I would nevertheless recommend the book and I will proceed to read Neave's own works to try to get a better understanding of this very cryptic figure.

[Misty Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this up to a point...
I had always been interested in Neave - my late aunt (a terrific role model in my life) knew him in their youth and his unusual name captured my imagination. The book is (on the whole) well-written although in a few places I became rather impatient with the narrative and towards the end I felt that the writing had 'slipped' a little.
Given that it covers his entire life obviously some things are skipped over more briefly than perhaps desirable while a few of the major 'themes' [Colditz etc] take up considerable space but this is probably a reasonable introduction to his 'story' and relatively easy to read

[Llew Sadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left somewhat confused

Airey Nieve, was to me an inspiration.
I visited Colditz Castle and with the kind permission of a duty policeman at the gates of the House of Commons,
I stood on the spot where he lost his life. Very sad.
After reading this book I feel that a different outlook is put on his personality.
I will alway keep my original memories and utter respect for him.
I found some parts of the book to be “Infill “ and a little boating.
Sorry for that, but say it as you see it is what I’ve always been tought.

[R. Prim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting account not just of Airey Neave, but also the people that surrounded and shaped his life. There’s more than just Neave’s family tree, escaping Colditz, working as an operative for MI9 and later a MP for UK parliament. However, younger readers will have to sometimes research outside the book which mentions a few historical events that’s highlighted but not fully explained, like for example the Profumo affair in the early 1960s, which was a British political scandal between an MP, John Profumo, and Christine Keeler, then a 19 year-old who would later become a model.

I was given my copy by a relative who knew Airey Neave so this read was somewhat an act of curiosity than genuine interest in politics, World War II or MI9. I did feel that there were gaps in-between chapters that were left empty at the end of the book in what other political roles Neave carried after electing Margaret Thatcher as leader of the Conservative party. For example it didn’t explain about Neave’s involvement in the election campaigns of 1979, that elected Thatcher as Prime Minister, before his assassination. Nor does it explain about a photograph of Neave with his wife at the Watchfield Free Festival of August 1975 for what he was doing there or promoting, which I thought was unfairly vague.

Furthermore, as aforementioned, I am not terribly interested in politics so the last few chapters were a bit of a dull read for me, but it did help me understand the 1970s political agenda in a way and was somewhat amusing to read about a mutiny, which Airey Neave was a part of, against Sir Edward Heath (Prime Minster between 1970 to 1974) to be ousted as Tory leader, through various meetings especially with the then chair of 1922 committee, Edward du Cann.

Finally to share some aspects, I liked how the biography was well researched through Bishop’s interviews, references from other books and social media; and other connections, there even some YouTube source material to watch. However, I especially liked the detailed maps, like of Calais, when it was sieged in 1940 by the Nazis, and Colditz Castle, from which Airey Neave was famed as the first British person to escape from. In addition there was some added humour amongst the historical drama, like Neave’s clearly clever way of tricks to get Thatcher elected as Tory leader, and Neave’s diary written comments.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, if you have read Airey Neave's other books, some of the content of this book will be repetitious, but interesting, with the greatest interest in the final section about his last political work, particularly Northern Ireland. There is also the disappointment that the police have been unable to pin the cowardly murder of Neave on any suspect, although they must have some suspicions. Is it a matter of a lack of political and if the IRA is implicated (as it most probably will) it could be embarrassing in the light of the result of the recent Irish election result?

[John Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seem to have less time during #CoronaLockdown than before this busy period began, but finally finished Patrick Bishop's excellent biography of Airey Neave, "The Man Who Was Saturday": not a story with which I was previously all that familiar but definitely worthwhile.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. An interesting account ofl ie at Eton and Oxford before the famous escape from Colditz. Enjoyed also the account of Neave's political life.
Engaging and well paced.

[Issi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read about the life and times of Airey Neave, killed by an INLA car bomb in the seventies.

[David Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating account of Neave’s wartime life which ultimately shaped his political opinions.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Toby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obsequious biography left me in the dark as to who Airey Neave was. Mum knew his much-younger brother Digby.

[Wayne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written biography of Airey Neave who is perhaps known best for escaping from Colditz during WW2. This book fleshes out his life from school boy, soldier, spymaster & finally politician.