Was There a Real James Bond 007?
“Bond...James Bond.”
Who could ever forget that three word introduction? Since 1952 people have been fascinated by the most popular MI-6 agent known as “James Bond”. Since then there have been many actors who played the international super-spy, but none more famous than Sean Connery. And yet, did you know, there really was a James Bond? That wasn’t his real name of course, but he was the individual on which the character of James Bond was based. And further more, what if I told you that his exploits (the real James Bond), were even more incredible than the ones seen on the big screen, by any of the actors that have portrayed him.
So who was this mythical Man of Mystery? His name is Dušan "Duško" Popov, called simply “Dusko”. Not as catchy as the name James Bond, and admittedly it doesn’t sound all that MI-6ish, but his exploits far exceeded the 007 agents on the silver screen. In fact, in many ways he single handedly changed the course of history. But let’s back up a bit so you can meet the man first.
Dusko Popov was born to a wealthy family in Serbia, July 10, 1912, afforded opportunities that most Serbians of the day would never have had. By the time the Second World War came along he was already a practicing lawyer. Renowned for his incredible intelligence, dashing, flamboyant lifestyle and good looks; the Russians, Germans and most importantly, Great Britain, all tried to recruit him into their circles of wartime intelligence. No one knew, however, that he had an aversion to Nazism. Nor did anyone know, because of his loyalty to Serbia, that he despised any connections to Russia. In the shadow of the incredibly complex game of high intrigue, no one ever suspected that Dusko Popov, was a double agent for Great Britain, and there were times that even they were not sure.
None-the less, Popov penetrated the highest ranks of the German army as a double agent, MI-6 operative. Gaining the trust of the German Generals he became a key figure in “Operation Fortitude” the plan designed to convince the Nazis that the invasion (D-Day) would happen at Calais, France instead of the beaches of Normandy... where allied forces actually landed. In this single act of espionage he saved perhaps hundreds of thousand of lives, and Germany was taken completely unawares.
But if that were not enough, he discovered on one of his missions that Japan was planning a massive attack against the United States in the Pacific. At great risk to himself, he passed a letter to Washington DC where it ended up on the desk of the Director of the FBI, who labeled Popov a communist, and not to be trusted. He threw the letter away without a second thought. It would be a mistake that America would pay dearly for. On December 7, 1943, just days later, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Over 2500 soldiers died and four ships including the famous Arizona sank. Had Japan launched the final wave that they initially planed, they could have easily broken the back of the American Navy.
And what about the infamous FBI Director? Discounting the Popov warning that Japan was about to attack Pearl Harbor? It became one of the single biggest mistakes that J Edgar Hoover ever made in his career of questionable leadership. He could have saved thousands of lives but because his act of unconscionable arrogance, America suffered one of the most debilitating defeats of the Second World War,. And he kept the secret so well that even people close to Hoover never knew.
When the war ended Dusko Popov faded into obscurity finally dying in 1981 in his early sixties, yet if you’re wondering how Dusko became James Bond 007? It just so happens a lieutenant commander over many of the secret missions of British Intelligence, was a young journalist named “IAN FLEMING” the author of the famous 007 series.
***
I am new to "blogging" and am trying to build my audience. Please share whenever possible. If you enjoy my work it will help me continue producing the amazing content that you like and feel free to drop me a note with your thoughts. I always enjoying from people who follow my work. And by the way...thank you. --Kim Michael
If you are seeing this content on the Web for the first time, please visit my website where there is much more waiting for you to discover:
Books, Original Music, Videos and More Amazing Blog Articles That Will Touch Your Soul.
I look forward to your visit!
https://kim-michael-author.com/
Kim Michael– “IN SEARCH OF WONDER”.
To Learn More About Kim Michael Visit “Interview With Kim Michael”
https://kim-michael-author.com/homepage/an-interview-with-kim-michael/
FOLLOW KIM MICHAEL AT:
