I’m reading another book, Roosevelt and Churchill: Men of Secrets by David Stafford. It is about World War II, British espionage and twentieth-century intelligence. A Goodreads review says the book ‘provides a great backdrop into the friendship and covert chess match between FDR and Churchill’
Those of you who love to read an author like John Le Carre are familiar with the intrigue that fascinated Roosevelt and Churchill. They both helped create what became MI5 and MI6, and the CIA. Ian Flemming and his involvement appear in the book. Working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War, Fleming was involved in planning Operation Goldeneye and in the planning and oversight of two intelligence units, 30 Assault Unit and T-Force. He drew from his wartime service and his career as a journalist for much of the background, detail, and depth of his James Bond novels.
There are a zillion people named in the book that were involved in the creation of the intelligent services, some with brief remarks and others who are fleshed out. All the familiar names you expect to find when reading about World War 2 are present in the book. This is a new name to me: Juan Ordinas March, a shadowy financial power behind the throne of General Franco’s Spain played a significant role. It was not until Franco’s death in 1975 that some basic facts of March’s life were written. A fascinating story it is. I realize I must improve my name-calling when writing my observations about ‘those who must not be named.’ A widely circulated intelligence file about March described him as ‘a scoundrel of the deepest dye.’ Don’t you love it?
While reading, I am struck with the magnitude of a single life. Of leaving a footprint, of contributing when no one knows. We cannot count the names of those who helped create the story of Rocky Mount. The old Post Magazine Covers remain endearing to us. Those of us who are called ‘Seniors’ lived these scenes and are grateful indeed.
Main Street Rocky Mount 