The Real Life James Bond: Lt Commander Patrick Dalzel-Job and His Exploits During WWII

The Misconception of 007

Many believe that Ian Fleming, the author of the famous 007 novels, named his fictional character after a connection to MI6, but this is a misconception. Fleming, who was known for his spy novels, was inspired by Lt Commander Patrick Dalzel-Job, an actual hero during World War II who showed incredible bravery and resourcefulness in his missions behind enemy lines.

Lt Commander Patrick Dalzel-Job

Patrick Dalzel-Job was a real-life hero whose exploits during WWII are a tale of courage, romance, and espionage, far more intriguing than the fictional James Bond. Before the Normandy Landings, Dalzel-Job, as Navigation Officer, commanded a fleet of naval auxiliaries in secret missions behind German lines in Norway. His personal connection to a Norwegian girl named Bjrg Bangsund deeply influenced his missions and his drive to continue despite harsh conditions and dangers.

Early Career and Navy Assignments

During his early career, Dalzel-Job was sent to explore the coast of Norway with his mother and later met Bjrg Bangsund, a Norwegian girl. Their tender romance developed, but when Germany invaded Norway, Bjrg was trapped under Nazi control. The Admiralty, recognizing Dalzel-Job's expertise, recruited him to compile charts for intelligence gathering operations in Norway. He eventually took control of a fleet of fishing boats to maintain communications and resupply British, Polish, French, and Norwegian Army units.

Bravery and Court-Martial

Dalzel-Job faced court-martial when he disobeyed orders to evacuate civilians from Narvik, believing it was necessary to avoid German reprisals. He had witnessed the devastating bombings of Bodo, fearing the same fate would befall Narvik. Hitler's forces deployed massive bombers to flatten the town of Narvik, but it was only the intervention of King Haakon of Norway that saved Dalzel-Job from severe punishment.

Secret Missions and Espionage

From January 1942, Dalzel-Job compiled charts for intelligence gathering. By June 1942, he was commanding a small fleet of MTBs and corvettes to land or resupply spies in Norway. The success of these missions eventually attracted the attention of the Germans, who captured an MGB, leading to the end of MTB operations. Dalzel-Job was then recruited to join 30AU Commando, serving under Ian Fleming, the future author of James Bond novels.

Largest Risks and Nuclear Intelligence

During the D-Day Normandy landings, Dalzel-Job raided several important installations behind Utah Beach and Caen. In September 1944, he and 30AU Commando were recalled to London with a large hoard of signals intelligence. This intelligence revealed the locations of several secret nuclear installations in Germany. Dalzel-Job's greatest raid was the capture of an underground nuclear facility at Espelkamp near Hannover during the Rhine crossing in March 1945.

The unexpected health issues and explosions at a school in Espelkamp, built over the entrance to a WW2 underground bunker, led to speculations about the long-term effects of radiation. Further raids by 30AU Commando led to the capture of Nazi nuclear scientists and top-secret atomic bombs. The involvement of Lt General Dr Hans Kammler, a crucial figure in the German nuclear program, adds another layer to the untold story of WW2. Dalzel-Job's personal connection to Bjrg Bangsund throughout the war demonstrates his true to heart.

After the war, Dalzel-Job returned to Norway to continue the hunt for Nazi nuclear secrets, further cementing his legacy as the real James Bond.

Keywords: James Bond, Lt Commander Patrick Dalzel-Job, MI6