Spy Runner: Ronnie Reed and Agent Zigzag, Operation Mincemeat and the Cambridge Spies

by Nicholas Reed

Major Ronnie Reed was case officer for the infamous Agent Zigzag and the face behind Operation Mincemeat. But how did this young BBC radio operator, with no money and qualifications to speak of, reach such an important position in his twenties? Why did Agent Zigzag (Eddie Chapman) give Ronnie his Iron Cross, awarded to Zigzag by Hitler himself? And how, within 10 years following World War II, did Ronnie find himself heading the anti-Russian department of MI5, dealing with notorious spies such as Philby, Burgess and Maclean? In an interview filmed in 1994, shortly before Ronnie's death, he revealed his remarkable story to his son, Nicholas. Here, Nicolas Reed reproduces that interview and fills in the background.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jarmby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written,poorly edited.
In the end tells very little of of the Spy Runner,Ronnie Reed,manages to mix in some interesting spy stories but overall a mish mash of what the author thought might pass as a book

[Sas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed this book as unlike others on the subject, this is the actual recollections of a man who played a prominent role in Operation Mincemeat and others whilst working for MI5. Unlike the recent film based on Ben Macintyre's book Operation Mincemeat, Nicholas Reed's book shows the real man behind the scenes. This is a book for those interested not only in world events, but also family history.
Ronnie Reed had a humble beginning but he rose through the ranks of MI5 to a senior position. As the son of Ronnie, Nicholas has been able to give an account that no one else could.