Double Cross in Cairo (20 page)
Read Double Cross in Cairo Online
Authors: Nigel West
A South African sergeant, Piet, was employed as General John Whiteley’s confidential secretary. He submitted reports about Canadian troops in Palestine and Syria; that there was no Canadian armoured regiment in Cairo; that the 19th Division was not in Tobruk, but Polish troops of the 50th Division were. That the British were dissatisfied with American tanks; that British and Australian troops were to leave Tobruk; that reinforcements were to be delivered from Alexandria to Tobruk; that British forces feared an imminent German offensive; that Australian troops from Tobruk were being transferred to Syria; that General Wavell had made a secret visit to Cairo; the 1st Armoured Division and three infantry divisions were to be sent to the Russian front on the Caucasus; that the British were expecting tank reinforcements; gave false dates for a British offensive in November to delay a German attack. That only Indian and South African troops, and the 1st Armoured Division, would be left in the Western Desert; that the 50th Division was being withdrawn.
Some of
CHEESE’S
sources only appeared once in his traffic.
AHAN
reported on 23 January 1945 that there were twenty cargo ships and one destroyer at Suez. An unnamed British officer mentioned that General Carton de Wiart had passed through Cairo recently on his way from the Far East.
CHEESE’S
fifth sub-source was an American journalist who mentioned a naval attack on Tripoli; had been ordered by the navy to
report to Alexandria on 1 January; that naval plans had been spoiled by bad weather; that Australian troops were in Alexandria, en route to Palestine.
MISANTHROPE
, of course, turned into a key source, and she pumped a friend, allegedly a US Army Air Force sergeant, William Schultz, for details of American troops in the Middle East, and the deployment of American aircraft leaving for Syria and Cyprus. Schultz was first mentioned by
CHEESE
who reported on 11 September 1941 that ‘my girlfriend has got to know a sergeant in the US Air Force’.
She also reported seeing tanks in central Cairo, and one of her acquaintances, a Polish officer, of the Carpathian cavalry, from Baghdad, told her that General Wilson had received reinforcements, including Polish troops; and rejoined his regiment in Iran. Her other messages included reports that the green tree unit insignia was no longer seen in Alexandria; two British destroyers had arrived in Alexandria, having escorted a battleship to Port Said; the London Division had left Alexandria ‘some days ago by sea’. Six large merchant ships had arrived in the ‘port on the 22nd; carrying English troops of which several thousands are already in the town. Heard they had come from Italy’. She also claimed to have seen ‘three aircraft carriers at Alexandria on the 1st. Heard they had arrived on the 25th accompanied by American destroyers. About fifty merchant ships in Alexandria harbour’. Three transmissions later
CHEESE
noted that she had said there were still about fifty freighters in Alexandria and some small warships – destroyers – but no battleships or aircraft carriers. She also saw about forty big tanks on the quay bearing the words ‘USA-Turkey Lease Lend’ and mentioned that there were only a few troops in Alexandria.
MISANTHROPE
continued her observations, reporting that ‘four destroyers left port yesterday after a stay of a few days. An Italian submarine and the Greek cruiser
Georgios Averof
were in Alexandria
where South African troops were based at the garrison at the Moustapha barracks. Soon afterwards she noted seven aircraft carriers, accompanied by several destroyers had arrived recently at Alexandria. These participated in the invasion of the South of France and are undergoing repairs while the crews rest. Three messages later she reported that ‘English sailors very numerous in town last few days. Only two of aircraft carriers left; several destroyers and a cruiser in port. Other aircraft carriers on maneuvers along the coast several kilometres from Alexandria’. Her next transmissions were:
About fifty merchant ships at Alexandria. Of aircraft carriers which arrived and left, there are still three or four. Not many troops in Alexandria. Mostly South African or Palestinian.
Seven messages later she reported:
Much maritime activity last few days. Two big convoys of battleships and transports left port 15th and 19th for Greece carrying soldiers who mostly wore sign of chequerboard or little black bird.
Three messages later she elaborated, ‘black bird resembles stork standing with a branch in its beak. The Jewish Brigade has left for Italy. Intense shipping movement to Greece’.
MISANTHROPE
’s reports from Alexandria continued, mentioning ‘a big battleship at Alexandria on 13th. Do not know destination’. Soon afterwards, ‘several trucks seen with sign of chequerboard in Alexandria last few days. Also seen sign of red goat on white shield. Two cruisers, several destroyers, about forty cars in port on 2nd. Still plenty of traffic with Greece’.
Another of
MISANTHROPE
’s sources was an Australian artilleryman from the 9th Division. She also knew a US Army Air Force officer,
Sam, who confided that he thought an Anglo-American invasion of Italy was imminent; that American bombers were due to arrive in Egypt to participate in air raids on Italy. Sam also speculated about an attack on Sicily, but SIME went to elaborate lengths to promote him as a credible personality. He was aged thirty-three but looked younger, and had a
cheerful personality but has occasional (of short duration) bouts of gloom. Moderate drinker except when out for a deliberate ‘binge party’; good mixer, an infectious chuckle rather than hearty laughter. Definitely a way with him so far as women are concerned. Pleasant manners, dresses neatly, even when in flying kit.
Sam’s SIME dossier described him as an ‘experienced navigator and pilot’ who had spent ‘the early part of the war on the North Atlantic ‘run’. For the last nine months however, has been on the South Atlantic and similar crossings. Sam also had a ‘great friend who is now with American forces in the desert, and through this friend was introduced to the
amie
, some weeks back. Finds the
amie
definitely attractive, apart from her looks. Thinks that it must be her accent.
Amie
finds her a much better dance partner than the other American,
One day, checks in with American Air Force headquarters enquires for his friend. Told that his friend is at Shepheard’s Hotel, but due to report back to his unit within a few hours. Contacts friend, who is in a hell of a hurry, and pretty mad at having to miss date with
amie
. Sam learns ‘what to do’ and in his turn is fed up because he will miss the fun. Lunch is more liquid than solid. With the wisdom engendered of whisky, friend suggests that he should keep his date with the
amie;
after some bibulous argument, he agrees for friendship’s sake although he would rather accompany his pal. They part, the friend to his unit, Sam to bed for the afternoon. When he
wakens, and has one or two to remove taste of his sleep, he rings up
amie
, tells her that the other fellow has had his leave cancelled, and can he keep date instead?
Amie
pricks up her ears about the cancelled leave.
MISANTHROPE
also noted having seen American and South African troops in Cairo; Tanks with German totems had been spotted in Cairo; French and Greek troops; Sudanese troops bearing a giraffe totem; Indian and Cape Corps South African troops noted, along with American sentries; Rhodesia, Commandos and Rand Rifles spotted; Guns on the Mena road, New Zealand vehicles bearing a bird totem; South African instead of American sentries. Trenches and barbed wire seen beside a desert road; Tank Corps, Scottish and South African troops observed. Lorries from the New Zealand 6th Division seen; Cargo ships at Alexandria were said to be destined for Malta; Reports of the 51st Division, Greek and Australian troops; Armoured cars and Polish troops seen near Barrage; many Scottish troops, parachutists and vehicles with scorpion emblems seen in Cairo; large American aircraft in the Delta; about 100 planes seen over Cairo; Totems bearing a white unicorn and white bird on a black background; A black and white dagger on a red background seen; Free French soldiers seen; American aviators in Cairo, also New Zealand trucks bearing emblems with four white stars on blue; Australians on leave from the desert; no visible air-raid damage at Heliopolis; South African and New Zealand troops on leave; American aviators and troops seen in Cairo; new South African troops on guard at the embassy; wounded soldiers seen from British regiments, among them the Durham Light Infantry, the East Yorkshires and the East Kents; lorries on desert road with totem ‘GO’ and Tank Corps drivers; soldiers of the South African Division; infantry sentries at GHQ; increase of Americans; RAF convoy on Abbassia road; more English naval officers in Cairo.
Thirteen of
CHEESE’S
messages directly concerned his office where he kept his ear to the ground and reported on such diverse topics as headings on the agenda, ‘Leaving for Derna’ and ‘News planning staff HQ/
GEORGE
’. He also spotted a document entitled ‘the civil evacuation of Tripoli’ and in two signals referred to an unnamed officer who had ‘returned from Cyrenaica with General Wilson via Benghazi and Tobruk’, and had been heard to remark that the ‘British had underestimated ammunition supplies at Mareth.’
CHEESE
also reported that one of his colleagues ‘was with the 12th Division in Cyrenaica. Heavy traffic on the Tobruk line. The Tobruk-Benghazi line being extended’. The officer to whom
CHEESE
allegedly answered was responsible for several items, including
Recruiting Arab labour for Cyrenaica landing grounds; The visit of Turkish officers to the Tunisian front, friend from Ninth Corps; Still recruiting Arab labour.
CHEESE’S
office underwent a reorganisation, an event which he said had been ‘delayed until after the final attack of the 8th Army’. This allegedly would not take place ‘before May’ and on 15 May announced the formation of the ATB’. Another office contact was the interpreter employed by the Telegraph Officer, and he was credited with the news that a new railway line had been built between Tobruk and Derna.
Without any money to buy top-level information,
CHEESE
often resorted to peddling rumours that were in circulation, and the topics he passed on included:
– Auchinleck offensive in Libya; Possible landings at Benghazi, Tripoli, Crete, Rhodes. Airborne troops leaving for Palestine.
– British offensive in Libya if Russian resistance continues.
– Approaching British offensive.
– British offensive mid-October.
– British offensive shortly.
– South African troops leaving for the desert; Artillery and tanks on the desert road.
– ‘German’ tanks for an American Brigade.
– Activity in the cacan zone.
– Soldiers arrive from Shallerfa.
– Told that the new Infantry Division is the 30th.
– Approaching British attack in the desert.
– Invasion of Italy imminent.
– General Alexander arriving in Cairo.
– The invasion of Italy.
Occasionally
CHEESE
would insert into the text of his messages some indication of his source, such as ‘I had heard information received that’ or ‘a good source…’ Into this category were subjects such as ‘5,000 South African troops arrive. Allied equipment/troops arrive at Suva’. ‘British troop movements postponed; Canadian troops’. ‘19th Division HQ in Cairo; Polish Brigade in Western Desert’. ‘The 4th
Indian Division and an armoured division; Canadian tank brigade left for Palestine; American tank and aircraft experts’.
Another prolific source for
CHEESE
was
AMAN
, clearly located near the Suez Canal, whose first report mentioned ‘many troops with sign ‘GO’ in camps near Gaza. Think they belong to 8th Armoured Division’.
AMAN
went on to mention ‘many troops with chequerboard sign around canal’. Then he ‘saw a battleship last Thursday passing southwards. Think it was the
How
’ which was a deliberate reference to HMS
Howe
. In the same message he also mentioned ‘several trains recently carrying soldiers towards Palestine, wearing letter ‘Y’. A little later he saw ‘several trains of English paratroops and Indians passed canal towards Palestine recently. Think it must be 4 Airborne Division’. In his next observation he reported:
Still many troops about canal wearing signs of: black and white chequerboard – white unicorn – yellow hammer – yellow axe.
This was followed by:
Recently seen many Arab troops wearing on their heads a red and white cloth – belong to Arab Legion.
AMAN
’s last five reports mentioned ‘33rd Division and troops wearing sign of chequerboard still about canal’ and ‘not seen sign of 8th Armoured Division for a long time’. Then ‘
Valiant
at Suez on the 11th ‘coming from the south’ and ‘soldiers of the 33rd Division no longer to be seen about the canal. Big battleship was at Suez and left southwards’. His last message was
about twenty cargo ships, one tug at Suez – 25 December. Plenty of traffic South-North through canal. Think battleship that left southwards was the
Valiant.
CHEESE’S
seventh unconscious source, mentioned in just two messages, was an Airborne Division major who was reported ‘still at Alexandria’ and was visited by
ARMIN
who was told that he thought he would soon go to Palestine with his unit. He also let slip that an Indian battalion was part of his division.
‘There was also an officer at 3 Corps Headquarters who was here yesterday. Many troops have left their camps at Alexandria. His old division to leave for Palestine.’ His second and last use as a source read
Leaving soon for Palestine. Says English counted on a German retreat from the Balkans following Allied landings in France but German forces in Balkans now still too strong for an attack.
