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The Walls Have Ears

The Greatest Intelligence Operation of World War II

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The Walls Have Ears

By: Helen Fry
Narrated by: Jean Gilpin
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About this listen

 A history of the elaborate and brilliantly sustained World War II intelligence operation by which Hitler's generals were tricked into giving away vital Nazi secrets

At the outbreak of World War II, MI6 spymaster Thomas Kendrick arrived at the Tower of London to set up a top secret operation: German prisoners' cells were to be bugged and listeners installed behind the walls to record and transcribe their private conversations. This mission proved so effective that it would go on to be set up at three further sites--and provide the Allies with crucial insight into new technology being developed by the Nazis.

In this astonishing history, Helen Fry uncovers the inner workings of the bugging operation. On arrival at stately-homes-turned-prisons like Trent Park, high-ranking German generals and commanders were given a "phony" interrogation, then treated as "guests," wined and dined at exclusive clubs, and encouraged to talk. And so it was that the Allies got access to some of Hitler's most closely guarded secrets--and from those most entrusted to protect them. 20th Century Europe Freedom & Security Great Britain Military Military & War Modern Politics & Government World War II Espionage England War Interwar Period Imperialism United Kingdom

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All stars
Most relevant
makes me proud to be British. Cunning, no coercion and no torture.
Film needed.

Fascinating. Ingenuous work

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An incredible account of wartime intelligence ingenuity that rates along side the better know code breaking successes. The detail in this book means that this is a work for WW2 enthusiasts and scholars of intelligence rather than the casual reader, but it is fascinating account none the less.

British intelligence at it's best

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I think the story is absolutely fascinating and I've listened to Helen on podcasts and she is really passionate and makes you want to listen but the narrator on the audiobook is a bit monotone.. I don't know if she has been directed or anything, I dont mean to be rude or disrespectful but she makes something so fascinating sound very mundane and boring, having said that I continued to listen

fantastic

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This was possibly the best & most interesting audible book I have ever listened to

Great book

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interesting detail around the intelligence but the narrator is awful. The most annoying is the dates (1. November instead of first November) followed closely by the awful German pronunciation. if you can't speak German, add a second narrator who can and can give the translation. it sounded a bit "Allo Allo" to me.

interesting story. terrible narration

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