Operation Mincemeat

The Corpse That Fooled Hitler

De: Hugh Ravenscroft

Narrado por: Danielle MacMath

In the secretive world of World War II espionage, where deception could save lives and a whisper could move armies, one of the most incredible operations ever devised involved a corpse, a briefcase, and a story too bizarre to be fiction. Operation Mincemeat tells the true tale of how British intelligence pulled off a daring trick that convinced Adolf Hitler to send his troops in the wrong direction—by using a dead man carrying false documents.

At the heart of this extraordinary tale were two intelligence officers: the sharp-minded barrister Ewen Montagu and the imaginative RAF officer Charles Cholmondeley. Inspired by a wartime memo (possibly written by future James Bond creator Ian Fleming), they devised a plan that required a body—specifically, a man with no ties, no past, and no future—who could become someone entirely new in death.

That someone was “Major William Martin,” a fictional officer of the Royal Marines. In truth, he was a homeless Welshman named Glyndwr Michael, who died in London under tragic circumstances. But in death, he became a war hero. Outfitted with a detailed backstory, personal items like love letters and theatre stubs, and top-secret documents suggesting Allied plans to invade Greece and Sardinia, “Major Martin” was set adrift off the coast of Spain with one mission: fool the Nazis.

This book reveals the full scope of the operation, from the creation of Martin’s identity to the tense journey aboard the submarine HMS Seraph, and finally to the shores of Spain, where German spies eagerly lapped up the fake intelligence. It uncovers how Hitler, swayed by the planted documents, diverted critical forces away from Sicily—exactly as the Allies had hoped. The result? The successful Allied invasion of Sicily, fewer casualties, and a turning point in the war.

But Operation Mincemeat wasn’t just a tale of clever forgeries. It was a masterpiece of psychological manipulation and wartime theatre. Every element had to be believable—from the corpse’s state of decomposition to the ink on the fake letters. Even the briefcase, chained to the man’s wrist, was carefully selected. British intelligence didn’t just invent a person—they built a life and sold it to the enemy.

As the story unfolds, listeners will meet the behind-the-scenes players: pathologists, forgers, secretaries, and submarine crews—all working in quiet coordination to stage the most convincing lie of the war. We trace the impact of their actions through German intelligence channels, all the way to Hitler’s desk, where the deception was swallowed whole. And we explore the aftermath: how the success of the operation helped shape the Allied path to victory, and how the truth remained hidden for decades.

Operation Mincemeat: The Corpse That Fooled Hitler is more than just a story of wartime espionage—it’s a study in human creativity, the art of misdirection, and the strange role of a forgotten man in shaping world history. Gripping, meticulously researched, and told with cinematic clarity, this is the definitive account of one of the most bizarre and brilliant operations of the Second World War.

©2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK (P)2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK

Gripping Storytelling That Reads Like a Thriller

This book reads like a spy novel—except it’s all true! The way the author brings Ewen Montagu, Charles Cholmondeley, and “Major Martin” to life is brilliant. The scenes on the submarine HMS Seraph and the tense wait for the Germans to take the bait kept me hooked. I learned so much about WWII espionage and came away with a new respect for the unsung heroes who worked behind the scenes.

A Masterclass in Espionage and Human Ingenuity

If you think real-life spy stories can’t rival fiction, this book will prove you wrong. The level of detail about the forged documents, the invented identity, and the lengths the British intelligence went to make every detail believable kept me hooked from start to finish. I especially appreciated how the book highlights all the unsung heroes behind the scenes. It’s a gripping read that shows the bizarre but brilliant lengths people went to during WWII.

An Unbelievable Story Brilliantly Told

I’ve read many books about WWII, but this is by far one of the most unique. Operation Mincemeat shows how far the Allies were willing to go to save lives and outsmart the enemy—using a corpse and a bundle of forged papers! The level of planning and human detail that went into creating this fake officer was mind-blowing. I especially appreciated how the book also honors the unsung people behind the scenes, from the submarine crew to the secretaries. A must-read for history buffs and anyone who enjoys seeing how truth can outwit tyranny.

A Masterpiece of Deception and Strategy

This book is an extraordinary dive into one of WWII’s most daring and ingenious operations. Ravenscroft tells the story with precision and cinematic flair, making it accessible and gripping even for readers with little background in military history. I couldn’t believe this actually happened—it reads like a thriller.

Meticulous Research Makes This Spy Story Unforgett

This account of one of WWII’s strangest and most brilliant deceptions is both gripping and respectful. I loved how the book gave attention not only to the big names like Montagu and Cholmondeley but also to the lesser-known people—the pathologists, forgers, and crew members—who made it possible. The descriptions are vivid, the stakes feel real, and it shows how a single lie, crafted with care, can steer the fate of millions. Highly recommended for history lovers and fans of true spy stories alike.

History That Brings Unsung Heroes to Life

What I love most about Operation Mincemeat is how it highlights the quiet heroes behind one of WWII’s strangest operations. From secretaries forging letters to pathologists preparing the body to naval crews risking it all on a dangerous delivery—everyone played a role. The author gives these behind-the-scenes people the credit they deserve. The story is both bizarre and inspiring, showing how a single daring deception changed the course of the war by protecting thousands of Allied lives. I finished this book with a deep respect for the creativity and courage it took to pull this off.

Incredible true spy story

A fascinating account of one of WWII’s most daring deceptions. Gripping, detailed, and hard to believe it’s real.

History at Its Most Surreal and Human

This book grabbed me from page one. I’d heard of Operation Mincemeat in passing, but never realized how much detail and human effort went into it. It’s not just about fooling the Nazis—it’s about forgers, pathologists, submarine crews, and ordinary people working in secret to pull off an impossible ruse. The writing is vivid, with scenes that feel like you’re right there in a smoky wartime office or cramped submarine. It’s also strangely moving to think how Glyndwr Michael, an unknown man in life, became Major Martin and changed the course of history in death. Highly recommended for anyone who loves WWII history or true spy stories.

A forgotten hero’s legacy

This audiobook brings to life the astonishing deception behind WWII strategy. The way a single man’s death changed the course of history is both moving and unforgettable.

A Fascinating Look at the Power of Deception

Operation Mincemeat is one of the most remarkable WWII stories I’ve ever read. The level of detail about how British intelligence turned a tragic death into a strategic masterpiece is both chilling and inspiring. The book does a fantastic job of showing how careful planning and psychological manipulation shaped the outcome of the war. If you enjoy true espionage stories, this is a must-listen.