Sidney Reilly is one of the most interesting characters in the history of espionage.
I've read several books on the late, great spy, including Robin Bruce Lockhart's Ace of Spies.
Lockhart, a British naval intelligence officer in World War II, was the son of R.H. Bruce Lockhart, a British spy who worked with Sidney Reilly in Russia.
Lockhart's book was the basis for the outstanding TV series Reilly: Ace of Spies, staring Sam Neill as Sidney Reilly.
The International Spy Museum in
Washington D.C. offers a look back at Sidney Reilly.
Considered by many the
greatest spy in history. His heroic missions, quick thinking and love for the
ladies made him the prototype for spies.
Born Sigmund Georgievich
Rosenblum in Odessa, Russia in 1874, the son of a rich Jewish landowner. Was
educated briefly through grade school but was largely self-taught from thereon.
Over the years, became proficient as a linguist, learning to speak at least
seven languages fluently.
Left Russia at the age of 19,
stowing away on a ship and traveling to Brazil. Worked in Brazil in various
occupations, including as a dishwasher, a cook and a bouncer.
Served as part of an
expedition through the jungle in Brazil, working as a cook for a group of
British explorers. The group was attacked by cannibals and Reilly bravely
grabbed a revolver and shot several of the attackers dead, driving off the
rest. The grateful explorers invited Reilly to return with them to England.
Impressed with his language skills, they steered him in the direction of the
intelligence community.
Received training in
espionage and was dispatched by the British back to Russia to gather
information. Returning successfully, Reilly was given a permanent position with
the British Naval Intelligence Department (NID).
Was very popular with the
ladies. carrying on several affairs. Had a brief affair with noted author Ethel
Voynick. Later began an affair with Margaret Callahan, the young wife of Reverend
Hugh Thomas. Reilly had met Reverend THomas advising him on cures for his
kidney information. When Thomas was found dead in his room at the Newhaven
Harbour Station hotel. Apparently, a person claiming to be a doctor named
T.W.Andrew, who bore a strong resemblance to Reilly, certified the death as a
result of generic influenza and ordered no inquest be held. Despite the fact
that there was no record of a doctor by that name in Great Britain at the time,
Thomas’ wife Margaret inherited about £800,000. Reilly subsequently married her
on August 22, 1898. At this time, he discarded the name Sigmund Rosenblum and
became known as Sidney George Reilly. Was granted British citizenship soon
thereafter.
Was sent by NID to Holland
during the Boer War where he was to gather information on the armaments
shipments being sent to South Africa. Used his innate ability for disguise to
assume identities and assumed the role of a Russian arms purchaser. Under this
guise, he put himself in a position to inspect the arms development at certain
Dutch facilities. Once again, he returned to Britain with valuable information,
impressing his superiors. He enjoyed similar success on a number of other
assignments and became known within NID as one of the top agent within the
agency.
Had a natural flair for his
assignments, cool-headed, creative and brave. A master of disguise, he also
possessed remarkable acting skills, allowing him to don almost any persona. He
also possessed a confidence and bravery that prompted him to accept even the
most dangerous and impossible assignments.
… Was executed by firing squad on November 5, 1925
outside of Moscow and buried in an unmarked grave.
You can read the rest of the
piece via the below link:
You can also read my
Counterterrorism magazine piece on the International Spy Museum and the myth, the mystique and the history of espionage, via the below
link
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