The "XX System": How MI5 Made Fools of the Nazis

Uncover the astonishing tale of WWII's most ingenious maneuver in our latest video! From British spies turning Nazis into assets to the elaborate Operation Fortitude, witness the deception that changed history. Don't miss this captivating journey into the world of espionage!
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[@MikeHughey728]

"MI5's very real reliance on puns" sounds like a fantastic topic for a Today I Found Out video.

[@BallisticDamages]

I would definitely watch that 😆

[@vickiewallace415]

But Simon isn’t doing that channel anymore! So, how about an end into the shadows?

[@SkunkApe407]

​@@BallisticDamagestoo bad that isn't a channel Simon hosts anymore. It would make a better Brain Blaze anyway.

[@SkunkApe407]

​@@vickiewallace415nah, Brain Blaze. Gotta have the unhinged rants and tangents on that one.

[@thronezwei4412]

I mean, the Brits have always had a love of wordplay.

[@IsYitzach]

Agent Garbo... the highest decorated agent on both the Axis side and Allied side. He was one heck of a character.

[@thatsnaya7575]

underrated comment. he fooled tf out the nazis .

[@kiwigaming09]

@@thatsnaya7575 so good even the British had trouble finding him after the war

[@Resijew]

Iron Cross 1st Class and an MBE. His story is insane

[@VallornDeathblade]

I have a book on Agent Garbo, his life and work are fascinating, the XX system didn't merely manage the double agents but helped them to fabricate and 'manage' whole networks of imaginary informants, providing scraps of fake intel such as falsified sightings of ships in docks, troop movements, "the newspapers say General Adams is inspecting several regiments in Portsmouth" etc. Characters had to be carefully kept on-script and little pieces of life drama like deaths, marriages, etc were woven into an almost soap opera narrative which was then fed to the Nazi's hungry intelligence apparatus.

[@sebastiend.5335]

I would recommend read 'Es muss nicht immer Kaviar sein'. Great ready and history!

[@andrewallen9993]

@@sebastiend.5335 I enjoyed that book.

[@sebastiend.5335]

@@andrewallen9993 Nice!

[@christycullen2355]

The best thing about Garbo is the British didn't want him at first, so he became a Nazi agent and then went back. They then took him on as he had something to offer. He was that desperate to help he became a Nazi spy.

[@DictatorTuna]

The year is 2024. Simon Whistler is 65% of youtube.

[@alexkuzela9266]

If anyone here is interested in a deeper dive on some of the individual spies that were part of this and other WWII capers, I wholeheartedly recommend the Spies and Ties series by Timeghost History, makers of the World War Two Week by Week series. They're a great way of getting a bit more detail on some of these crazy events.

[@chipsthedog1]

I once saw drawings of a lot of the ideas put forward that were rejected in the end and my absolute favourite and extremely British was a sketch of a man sitting on a deck chair sunbathing but this deckchair was on stilts in deep water to make it look shallow the idea being that the German landing craft would let all the soldiers out too early where they would sink, I believe the flaw was along the lines of who in their right mind would be sitting on a deckchair with a knotted hanky on their head in the midst of a full on invasion.

[@chipsthedog1]

I cannot remember where I saw these sketches and after this video reminded me I even went on a brief Google search but could not find anything if anyone knows where I can find them please let me know.

[@davidelliott5843]

The idea was to fool interpreters of reconnaissance photographs.

[@chipsthedog1]

@@davidelliott5843 That makes so much sense

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:20 - Chapter 1 - The backdrop 4:50 - Chapter 2 - Learning the hard way 10:05 - Chapter 3 - Spycraft & tactics 14:35 - Chapter 4 - Operation fortitude 18:35 - Chapter 5 - V1 ; V2 & VE Day

[@joemck85]

Simon can we get a pin? 📍

[@Liquid278]

The sheer level of genius that British secret intelligence had with tradecraft always boggles my mind, they were mostly 4 steps ahead Edit for the editor: the audio and video is out of synch

[@HismumYT]

Well I need to apologize to my headphones for calling them shit

[@danielcurtis1434]

I think they fixed it cuz I’m getting it fine?

[@BBakira1031]

Lmao, genius or generations of practice?

[@multipletanksyndrome]

​@@danielcurtis1434it changes part way through

[@ZechsMerquise195]

Yes, British Intelligence had some high points during the war. But they also dropped the ball severely at others, like the spies that were sent into occupied France. For example; Despite using code words that indicated capture the British just assumed the radio operator was being careless.

[@vivecald-vehk6978]

Absolutely fantastic video, now begins my journey to see just how much of an effect spies had in WW2, always assumed they played a huge role but never knew any specifics Safe to say I was amazed! The course of the Second World War in Europe really was guided by their diligent work and the sacrifices of the soldiers and the spies alike to defeat the Third Reich Many thanks to you Simon and the Into the Shadows team

[@Russia-bullies]

Its harder to spy in wartime.

[@Apollo_Sierra]

A follow up video about what happened to the double agents post-war would be interesting.

[@zaco-km3su]

Probably they either were allowed to citizenship....or sorts (Brits are subjects, not citizens) or were allowed to return home.

[@ArdoxFPSGaming]

the vibes on your videos are something else, keep it up man

[@theblackgreninja2237]

I’m guessing you name’s Peter

[@ArdoxFPSGaming]

@@theblackgreninja2237 i aint no family guy, its closer to thunder/thor but its not thor...scandinavia dont got alot to name you after so big bang it is

[@hoppytoad79]

Bletchley Park's breaking of the Enigma Code was also hugely important to shortening WWII by several years. An enormous debt is owed to British Intelligence in general.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

And by British Intelligence to the Polish codebreakers for their work on Enigma that was the foundation for the Beitush codebreakers

[@burrahobbit]

I need a video about MI5's extensive and very very real reliance on puns

[@jean-huguesbitaamenye8785]

Hey Simon and your team. I don't usually comment on your videos. Just wanted to thank you for your videos on Pilocki, the Polish soldier who volunteered to infiltrate Auschwitz. I read the book and it was a great experience. Thank you for your extensive research.

[@evanblake5252]

I can't seem to find a video from Simon on Pilocki, do you know what channel it was on?

[@Chris18o0]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@evanblake5252 Warographics. Episode about Inmate 4859

[@evanblake5252]

@@Chris18o0 Thanks.

[@awAtercoLorstaIn.]

My family emigrated to the US from Poland in the 30s (for obvious reasons) and I’d sadly never heard of him. Always makes me proud to learn about people like Pilecki and Wyszyński.

[@Bvggerffpls]

Funny you should post this after I recently started reading Defence of the Realm. Highly recommend for those interested in the history of British intelligence.

[@raine4736]

Simon, I love you and your team's content and infotainment so much, whenever you upload I watch ASAP. I know I am just a dorky college student, but one day I wish to write a script for your series on diseases (kind of a dream haha don't judge me). Just wanted to express my gratitude :) wishing you and your family good health

[@mj.ray0898]

I just finished binging the "internets biggest mysteries" videos where Kevin (pretty sure it's Kevin, maybe Danny?) writes several stories and leaves it to Simon to decide whether or not it's true. Based on time between the other releases, should be time for another one soon! Fingers crossed, I love that format, commission it Factboi 😂

[@adenkyramud5005]

Yup that is kevin, great series and hope we get more soon.

[@danielriley7380]

That would have been on the BrainBlaze channel.

[@vickibart3491]

​@@danielriley7380pretty sure it's on decoding the unknown

[@kevinwebb4330]

This would make a great movie, not just a documentary with a narrative voice, and not with the "Hollywood" embellishment and changing the facts for ticket sales, but a true portrayal of the what we really know is the story. Thank you again Simon for such informative and interesting content

[@kevinwebb4330]

And I think this is where the epic James bond movies came from.

[@kevinwebb4330]

And Simon should be the the producer of course.

[@SuperMadman41]

Been done several times since the end of WW2

[@tomgreen8246]

I wish this video was twice as long so you could go twice as deep Simon. Absolutely fascinating. Also, please do a Blaze on the puns 😂

[@stevenclarke5606]

I went on a tour of Bletchley Park, definitely recommended. The tour guide explained the XX system, X was a spy and XX was a Double Agent, and this led to the term Double Cross, XX

[@billpetersen298]

XXX, was the shop next door.

[@davidelliott5843]

XXXX is an Australian beer. They know their priorities.

[@logancade342]

I DEMAND THE MI5 PUNS EPISODE!!

[@jmanj3917]

11:00 Alright Brain Boy, no worries. As long as you know that you now have to assign the story of MI5's puns to someone in the basement...lol

[@ZechsMerquise195]

For more info, the World War 2 - channel has an entire show based on espionage during WW2 called Spies and Ties. Very educational and funny.

[@archstanton6102]

Am a patreon there. Excellent recommendation

[@ZechsMerquise195]

@@archstanton6102 Another recommendation is the podcast World's Greatest Con. They did a season/5 episodes on operation Mincemeat and the 20 committee.

[@bunyipdragon9499]

Can you please do a story on Nancy Wake who the germans named The White Mouse. She was so revered as a resistance fighter she was awarded medals of honour from 5 different Allied countries, thanks.

[@saritacruz3020]

This needs to be a movie.

[@stephensullivan8340]

It's amazing this guy knows everything about everything.

[@kellyosullivan990]

Great video as always and bring on the MI-5 puns

[@jacobgiles2268]

Please do a video on Garbo. It’s an insane story.

[@christina1wilson]

You should tell the story (also from XX) on how a dog nearly brought down D-Day. (Ben Mcintyre's book, XX is also a good read for those who want more on the D-Day part of the story)

[@peterwinnington447]

You will find the true story of the dog, Babs, in Peter Winnington's biography "Codename Treasure: the life of D-Day Spy Lily Segueiew", published in July 2023.

[@gravyboat2370]

The head of German intelligence (the adbver) was a man called Wilhelm Canaris. He was working against the Nazis for most of the war in till caught very late on and died in a concentration camp. Hats off to him

[@theawesomeman9821]

This historical mission should be adapted into movie or television show.

[@gwine9087]

Absolutely mind-boggling how complex the operation was.

[@sydryi3086]

the underlying message of History when it comes to Britain, is do not underestimate them.

[@mbathroom1]

last time I was this early, it was World War II

[@DTredecim]

I want to see a video about this reliance on puns.

[@petergeissler5738]

1:28 Simon this is how conspiracies are started 😂 leave me and my vibes be

[@TheMrVerbal]

Going from the Blaze to Into the Shadows and seeing the quality increase and the production value increase I'd have to say good on you Simon. My wife asked if this was 60 minutes and I yelled "Right Peter!" She was not amused.

[@stephenhosking7384]

"Bending the gun backward" LOL! Best analogy I've heard for a long time! 😂😂

[@williebauld1007]

Am I right Peter??? I love when TangentBoi gets a wee Brain Blaze reference into his grown up channels

[@johnjephcote7636]

Reading Walter Schellenburg's autobiography as head of the SD he recruited forgers to make superb British banknotes and deceiving the British that his operation was in fact Free French resistance, paid for RAF airdrops of especially explosives which he admitted were far better than those of the Germans. Paying for them in forged banknotes...his enthusiasm, humour and sheer professionalism, loving his work shines through. One thinks of the Mad cartoon strip 'Spy versus Spy versus Spy'.

[@ianrigby7395]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Like Simon said there is mountains of information and stories surrounding the intelligence services during WWII. For example, I believe Agent ZigZag (briefly mentioned in this video) ix the only person to ever be awarded both the Victoria Medal AND the Iron Cross! Would it be possible for Simon to do a greater length/in-depth video about this fascinating subject? I gave several books on the subject and would be happy to support with research

[@cymru507]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@_PsychoFish_]

Some AV async is going on here in the 2nd part of this video. Looks the video is a few miliseconds behind the audio😅

[@axlefoley6330]

The theme tune for 007 kept creeping in my mind while watching this

[@boyzinthewood1]

Loved this one ❤

[@CountryDick]

I keep thinking I’ve hit the 2X tab when listening to Simon.

[@jmanj3917]

1:30 Dang, Brain Boy... It's starting to feel personal...😂

[@PrimetimeD]

Nice one.

[@jaconbran2367]

You should do Alan Turing next..

[@jimmyhill9743]

Awesome . Haven’t heard a lot about this

[@noahlogue]

Hell yeah. More spy videos!!!!

[@davidh5876]

If you want to know more about the XX Program, read Masterman's book called "The Double Cross System". This was actually a Government report but it was so good and so interesting that it was published as a book. Easily findable even today.

[@jamesharmer9293]

At 13:44 there are single engined jet bombers ? In WW2 ?

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

All jokes aside Very interesting presentation Simon & co.❤

[@goodwood-rc4nx]

Double Cross: The True Story of The D-Day Spies by Ben Macintyre is the much more detailed story of this story well worth a read/listen and have done on many occasions

[@maryanntoner4520]

I also highly recommend another book by Ben Macintyre, _Agent Zigzag_. While the book is primarily about Eddie Chapman (the titular Agent Zigzag, second only to Agent Garbo as the most successful British double agent during WW2), it does briefly mention the XX system.

[@multipletanksyndrome]

Funny use of that Wayne Gretzky footage

[@JayMumper]

The audio went out of sync towards the end of the video

[@janetglassford4578]

Evan - I’m swooning, well researched & eloquently written. Simon: thanks for slowing down your pace: taking in information when it’s at the speed of a G&S patter song is frustrating. I really appreciate & enjoy your content. Cheers from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦

[@tiemenvanderbijl785]

Love the series, note to the editor; there is alot of screen flash fairly frequent making watching uncomfortable. I am talking about the transition with "old film style" from scene to scene. I made this a podcast witch is a bit of a shame of all the editing work done.

[@jamesharmer9293]

The lipsync in the second half of the video is pretty dodgy too...

[@rody2k6]

I always watch Simon's channels as podcasts. Works really well.

[@Seanfrenchh]

Now that I saw this comment I can’t stop noticing the flashes lol.

[@laughingoutloud5742]

Ah, good ol' Peter. He's always around for the vibe - AM I RIGHT, PETER???

[@wolfy8006]

Brain blaze topic : Puns from the M15

[@morstyrannis1951]

Simon, the researchers, and writers are doing a great job. Sadly cannot say the same thing for whoever is selecting the video clips. If they can’t do better than this - constantly using modern video for events that happened eighty years ago - just skip the video entirely.

[@evanblake5252]

This might be the most upbeat Into the Shadows video to date.

[@adamfoster2121]

Peter finally gets a shout out @1:25

[@Russia-bullies]

Thanks for the good & informative show.I asked for espionage to be featured & I kind of got it.

[@shugadaddy4841]

Peter is just here for the vibes 😂

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

These videos are pretty interesting

[@whatsthestory2612]

The audio and video are slightly out of sync.

[@DubbleOh7]

British intelligence making someone look a fool: Kim Philby: hold my beer

[@philmoseleymixing7856]

How many channels does this guy actually run??

[@michaelisrael7529]

You are very good at what you do

[@eddieconroy212]

There’s some very good books about the agents of ww2. Agent ZigZag (real name Eddie Chapman) and Agent Garbo by Ben McIntyre are well worth a read.

[@pjwander8998]

My name is Peter, and I know stuff about World War 2, but I still love the vibes :)

[@kimhohlmayer7018]

Fascinating!

[@rhondasisco-cleveland2665]

You didn’t tell them why he was called “Tricycle”. 😂. Too spicy?

[@BenTrem42]

19:28 What I recall from my reading into XX was how agents fedback information that V1s were landing short. Which lead the Nazis to shift aiming point ... beyond central London.

[@PeteDetails]

I am here for the vibes

[@carloslanderostj]

Thnx for your work im in all of your channels

[@milk-it]

It can't be stated enough, that the intelligence services play such key roles in all conflicts, just look at Israel currently. Simon: please ask your competent team of writers to do more deep dives into intelligence operations and their successes or failures throughout modern history. Your teams writes these videos very well.

[@milesnixon9554]

You should tell the story of how the search for Mrs Fergusons tea set led to the greatest single defeat in British Military history (according to Churchill). Or the tale of the Reinhard Gehlen , Project Lena and the Max Network. How these NKVD run XX intelligence operations made Gehlen's reputation and helped him (and the NKVD/KGB) reach the top of post war West German intelligence till 1968. Have you done Adolf Tolkachev yet, or "Steaknife"/Freddie Scappaticci?

[@themarcai6394]

Chefs kiss for that thumbnail

[@jenniferdonald5166]

Poor Peter... 😂 Ge gets dunked on so much.

[@drbuckley1]

The British did such a great job tracking the Nazis that they were completely blind to Soviet penetration.

[@MrMcmokka]

Quite fitting that "Snow" was an informer...

[@Dan19870]

1 minute 30 seconds in and Simons already taking shots. AM I RIGHT PETER!!!! 🤣 Edit: Anyone willing to ride that Tangent train across the Whistler-verse to find out why he picked out that specific name? What did Peter do to our beloved Facts Boy?

[@anoramba]

How many channels does this guy have? 😦🤔

[@AlexisBaron-o3g]

I absolutely want a video about MI5's extensive use of puns. Probably not on this channel, but I watch all of them so if it goes out I'll see it.

[@martinbrown7587]

Read about operation Mince Meat a very famous deception by MI5

[@craigwiester9177]

Tricycle, a Yugoslav named Dusko Popov, is said to have been the model for James Bond.

[@justonecornetto80]

James Bond is a combination of people. A bit of Popov, a bit of Sidney Reilly, a bit of Patrick Dazel-Job who served under Ian Fleming in 30 AU and Fleming himself.

[@hommegrotte]

Can there be a video on mi5’s extensive use of puns?

[@ruariniall7463]

The United States had the OSS in Europe as well. Mrs McMillan was our lady in Lisbon who coordinated operations. Her husband was a PBY pilot who was on hand for inserting and retrieving agents. Mr Stewart made interesting gadgets for threm to use. People like Marlene Dietrich were among their agents and, in-so-far as the American Ornithologist James Bond was involved - and he was involved in some way, according to Queen Elizibeth II - it would have been through this group.

[@vickiewallace415]

How about an into the shadows with MI five puns please!

[@superblitz]

the 20 communities - Project mincemeat - was just fascinating to hear about..

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

Diplomatic immunity😅

[@yamin1728]

BABE WAKE UP NEW INTO THE SHADOWS EP JUST DROPPED

[@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup]

I will now be reading a book or 2 about this operstion.

[@darkora_]

Agent Garbo deserves a whole episode of his own, incredible story of subterfuge that played a massive part in the success of D Day

[@angelitabecerra]

That vibe shade 😂

[@cantgame9054]

This is the earliest I’ve ever been 😳

[@pobg]

Excuse me but my name is Peter and you caught me off guard 😆😆😆

[@oldfrittenfett1276]

We as Germans experienced first hand that being good at something is not always good. I am very happy that the third Reich fell and that we live in a democracy now. Just saying.