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Operation Mincemeat - body of Major William Martin
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Operation Mincemeat - body of Major William Martin
Corpse of the supposed Major William Martin. His body was found washed up on shore in Spain on 30th April 1943 carrying sensitive documents, an elaborate and successful deception by British forces in World War Two (codenamed Operation Mincemeat) to convince German high command that the Allies were planning to attack Greece and Sardinia in 1943 rather than Sicily, the actual objective. Major Martin never in fact existed and his body was that of Glyndwr Michael, a homeless man who had died in January 1943. Date: 1943
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Media ID 32222138
© Mary Evans / The National Archiv
1943 Body Corpse Dead Deception Hoax Intelligence Major Martin Michael Mincemeat Operation
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting print captures the body of Major William Martin, a key player in one of the most elaborate deceptions of World War Two - Operation Mincemeat. In this daring operation, British intelligence planted false documents on the corpse of Glyndwr Michael, a homeless man who had died earlier that year, and allowed it to wash up on shore in Spain.
The deception was a resounding success, as German high command fell for the ruse and diverted their resources away from Sicily, the true target of Allied forces. Major Martin never actually existed; he was merely a figment of British imagination used to mislead the enemy.
This photograph serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths to which wartime strategists would go to achieve victory. It is a testament to the power of deception and ingenuity in times of conflict.
As we reflect on this piece of history, let us remember those who sacrificed their lives - both real and imagined - for the greater good. May their bravery and cunning inspire us to always question what we see and seek out the truth behind every facade.
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