The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

He was able to work for the Abwehr and M15, so much so that the two intelligence agencies were delighted. He was a lover of the beautiful life, beautiful cars and beautiful women. This could not end well. But it ended well! Meet: Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag.

The Fall of Edward

It was 1931. Eddie Chapman was 17 years old, he was sitting on the bed in an army barracks, and thinking that his dream came true: he became a royal guardsman, went to London from her backwater. But ... for some reason I do not feel happy. With the growth of 183 cm, he was tall for his generation, handsome, smart, white-toothed guy - to join the elite troops of Her Majesty was easy. Eddie gladly left the hateful father's house, where no mother, who died many years ago, has always been a mess, drunkenness and neglect. However, the march in bearskin hats appeared not so much fun as seen from the coastal town of Roker. In addition, Eddie is not accustomed to discipline. Drunken father, who worked as a bartender, was never interested in the life of children, so that Eddie stopped going to school as soon as he was ten years old. He wandered along the beach, collecting bottles, and gave them the money to buy a movie ticket, or just sitting on a bench on the promenade and whistled after the girls passing by. Day guardsman was built entirely on a different principle.

The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

However, as the old-timers say, all this can be tolerated for the sake of shore leave when the young soldiers in branded uniforms went to carouse in Soho - and the devil are not they there brother! Soho 30s - a very special bohemian world where in bars, cafes and dance floors mixed people from different walks of life: demi-monde, actresses and dancers, noble and rich, writers, directors, journalists and gangsters of all stripes. Then one evening tied novels and down the state, it was a real metropolitan life, which are her boys on a bench in a seaside town, when the holiday season passed them noisy company majors in London fragrant plume of perfume. It has been nine months since the beginning of enlistment, and now Eddie in dress uniform finally stepped on the streets of Soho. It was a summer evening, around arm in arm with fashionable gentlemen walked magnificent ladies everywhere could hear music and drunken laughter. Eddie noble ladies, of course, did not see. But in a cafe with a dance floor-haired girl she gave him a look that the young Guardsman, without thinking for a second, sat down at the next table, and soon he was dancing with her in an embrace. And the hot embrace lasted until the morning, when a small hotel room cheap Eddie parted with innocence and lost track of time.

He woke up two months later when the money ran out. The girl left him, and the Royal Guard, on the contrary, found and to the fullest extent of the law sent to the brig for desertion. After spending 84 days in a military prison, Chapman was demoted in disgrace and is released on all four sides. Of course, you can guess which way he went without hesitating for a second.

The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

There in the SoHo, Eddie again plunged into a familiar mad whirl. Be remembered, gave him a job at some bar, and then he got an extra on the set, then - in a cabaret dancer, a boxer in the amateur ring, a massage therapist in the salon ... And again in a circle, all the time in plain sight with his charming smile . Irresistible fop, gallant, a player and a drunkard, who always spend more than they earn on their ten odd jobs. Everybody knew him, from gangsters to celebrities. That's what Terence Young, the future director of the first James Bond film, in particular, spoke of Edward Chapman: "This was a guy who could keep up the conversation on any topic, he had a pleasant demeanor and undeniable charisma. We all knew that he was a rogue and can shortchange you on the way to the bar when you gave him the money that he ordered you to drink, but it was all the little things. Friends, he never gave up. "

Jelly gang

Chapman did not have any respect for God, nor morality, nor to the law. Especially to the law. After the first year, in Soho he started drives to the police: for check fraud, for petty shoplifting, and once even for publicly insulting public morality in Hyde Park, which our hero has carried out in broad daylight with a prostitute.

The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

However, in front of him waiting for a really great things. In 1934, Eddy became a member of the so-called "gang of jelly." The occurrence of these guys have been obliged to the great chemist Alfred Nobel. In addition to the dynamite, which can be used for mass destruction of mankind, this pundit invented jelly - easy to handle gelatinous explosive, which is especially convenient to use for opening safes. In the first year of "work" gelignitovym Demolitions could plunder as much good that they decided to rent a house on the coast of Dorset and retire, living for pleasure. However, six weeks later they got bored, and they again returned to "work."

Before 1938, things went brilliantly. At Chapman finally had enough money to live the way he liked it. And it meant: to dress the best tailors, only drink expensive alcohol, play at the races, like the best in women. On one of them, the beauty of Vera Friedberg, who had a Russian mother and a German father, a rich, Eddie even almost got married. But after a couple of months after the engagement revealed that gangster cohabiting also with dancer Freda Stevenson, a rising star of the London theater. The engagement was broken, Vera got off lightly, and Eddie - a good knowledge of the "bed" of the German language, which is very useful in the future to him.

However, in 1939 the police announced a special operation against the "jelly bandits", and the gang was arrested in Edinburgh, where the friend moved from London too dangerous. Ahead loomed a ten-year sentence for robbery. But in some odd way, Eddie was still released on bail of 150 pounds. Naturally, he immediately took advantage of this chance and escaped to the Channel Islands. The stash from Chapman remained decent amount, so he returned to his favorite way of life, took a room at the Hotel de la Plage, the most expensive local hotel, and immediately twisted romance with a charming blonde Betty Farmer. Alas, Eddie had underestimated the possibility of the British police. It tracked down after the first week of stay, and one evening, an armed group of police broke into the restaurant, where the famous bandit gelignitovy romantic supper with his lover. Eddie did not hit the dirt face: soon as they saw the police, he jumped out the window, after breaking the glass, and disappeared into the dark gave on the beach. All Jersey marina were closed. A couple of days later, a cracked safe Chapman again tracked down and arrested at this time. There are already justice took hold of it with the utmost rigor of the law. Edward Chapman was sentenced to one year in prison on the island of Jersey for violating local laws and subsequent extradition to London to serve his term has for capital crimes.

The agent of the Abwehr

The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

Life in prison is definitely not part of the plans for Eddie. It was the most infamous, the darkest time of his life. However, a born adventurer and then did not lose time in vain. First, he engaged in self-education. Communicating with bohemians and aristocrats in Soho, Chapman very well understood that there is no sense of humor or handling agility will not replace the basic knowledge of history and literature, which so naturally referred to sometimes his interlocutors, and he was forced to only a meaningful grin, unable to fight off feed. Entire library in Jersey prison was re-read twice. Eddie also tried to tighten my German and learn French. Sitting on a wooden platform in the chamber, he prepared himself for the other, a beautiful life and a chance to get back to her carefully looked for, not turned up.

This chance came from an unexpected quarter. In Europe, World War II began, and the island turned out to be captured by the Germans. Prison conditions are even worse. Then Eddie, whose brain is in a critical situation, he worked at a feverish pace, came up with some plan. He decided to offer his services to the Nazis as a spy and subversive agent. First of all, he knew how to handle explosives. Second, it could easily prove their uneasy relationship with the British government, which wanted to deprive him of his ten years of free life. Thirdly, he knew many in London and could easily get lost in Soho, especially in the military hectic. Eddy explained these concerns in a letter and sent it to the German general who commanded the occupied Channel Islands. There was no reply for weeks. When Eddie is desperate, suddenly it became clear that he was transferred to another prison - in France. It was at least some change (at least, gives access to the new library, and even the French language). However, it is too early to rejoice. French prison in Fort de Romainville was unusually harsh place known one curious tradition. As soon as the Nazis learned about any sabotage on the part of the resistance, a number of prisoners (depended on the severity of diversion), they were sent to the penalty. Sometimes people just disappeared and no one knew about their fate. The prisoners lived in an atmosphere of constant fear and despair that gave rise to another phenomenon: because women and men in Fort de Romainville held together, there flourished chaotic, frenetic, savage sex in all the corners and crannies. People from the past forces tried to enjoy life leaving. Of course, Eddie's with curiosity and appreciation reacted to this order.

Chapman, however, was not destined to be like to dive into the prison life - soon he was summoned for questioning. Two German officers gave him to understand that the letter reached the address, it has been considered in the highest spheres and the request received a positive response.

Spy School

The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

For the first time Edward woke up in a soft bed for two years. His bedroom window looked out into the garden. Oak paneling on the walls, crisp white linen, dining room with tapestries ... Eddie positively loved this place - the basis on which the Abwehr trained spies. Here, within three months of the new agent under the guidance of his supervisor, Dr. Groningen, he studied the wisdom of the radio, working with explosives and melee. In the evening, Eddie in the company of other agents enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and French wines.

I must say that Chapman certainly drew the winning ticket. When it became clear that the UK intends to go to war, the Abwehr began to frantically search for people who could be hired as a British agent. With this resource, the Germans were very bad, they were not ready to work against the British, and in this sense, Eddie initiative came at an opportune moment. His letter actually came up to the highest authorities in Berlin, and every officer who worked with him, I could not believe my eyes - a perfect saw their candidacy. "Jelly bandit" long tested in all instances, so that when Chapman was made available to doctors Groningen, he was a kind of pet in the Abwehr, the candidate, on which great hopes. During training, Eddie demonstrated their talents. He thought quickly, had an incredibly agile and fit body and absolutely stunning ability to establish contacts with strangers. New German "superspy" was given the nickname of Fritz, which was soon transformed into a gentle Fritshen. In December 1942, Fritshen got its first assignment - to parachute in the vicinity of Cambridge and blow up the factory "De Havilland", which produced one of the most effective British bombers - Mosquito. This twin-engine vysokoplan was almost entirely made of wood, so that the German radar could not detect it. "Midge" regularly inflicted a severe blow to the German bases. December 16 with a parachute behind him, a mini-radio in a backpack and cyanide pill in a secret pocket Eddie jumped from the plane on a dark night ...

pereverbovki

Eddie had no idea what on earth were waiting for him. British intelligence worked particularly well with deciphering German messages, so on landing in the Cambridge area was known in advance. However, when a brave commando detained, he behaved in the most ingenious way: Eddie said that cooperation with the Germans and he Troopers were designed exclusively for them in order to get back home and offer his services to the Queen. After all, surely Her Majesty will not abandon his people in the heart of Nazi intelligence? Of course Her Majesty did not mind. Moreover, the British security service M15 even organized a special operation to capture and pereverbovki German agents, so that Edward again fell into the stream.

With Chapman immediately concluded a cooperation agreement and hinted that he would not only forgive past offenses, but generously pay for all possible risks. In addition, the German agent fees newborn zigzags were also allowed to keep. Who would object to such a proposal? Of course, not Edward Chapman!

To strengthen the confidence of the Abwehr to his agent, a remarkable plan was developed. Its author is a true magician of industrial masking Jasper Makelin. At the "De Havilland" simulated diversion: German reconnaissance planes on top of registered several explosions, after which the plant covered special camouflage net, depicting destruction. The London newspapers printed on the sad consequences of the subversive activities of fascist agents. Doctor Groening exulted: his plan succeeded brilliantly. Fritshen performed the task, what and sent a coded message through its radio station.

Gallant agent was immediately decided to submit to the high military award. Edward received from the Wehrmacht 110,000 Reichsmark and the Iron Cross for this action. Agent Zigzag successfully fulfilled the task to continue the cooperation with the German intelligence service, out of the UK through a neutral Lisbon and followed directly to Norway, where he was waiting for a refresher course on another training camp Abwehr.

agent Zigzag End

It was 1943. On fronts all over Europe people died in concentration camps continuously worked devil furnace, starving blockade ... Meanwhile, the minion of fortune Eddie Chapman did not waste time. Norwegian spy training camp was no worse than the French. Fritshen learned to control the boat and exploring the fjords he was accompanied by another luxury lover - Norwegian Dagmar Laloum, as an agent of the Abwehr. Eddie quickly reached full mutual understanding with a colleague, and they often retire to discuss the latest spy techniques.

However, this idyll could not last long. Soon Fritshena waiting for a new job. He had again to parachute in the UK and this time try to get important military information on what weapons the British are going to be used against the German submarines, new night airplanes, as well as clarify how destructive is the bombing of London, and to send the exact geographical coordinates of targets inside the city.

What I had to leave the charming Norwegian and again jump to stupid parachute in M15's arms. Eddie greeted very warmly, especially pleased with the task of artillery purposes. Through Agent Zigzag managed to completely disorient the Nazi air! He sent a report that the targets in London were inaccurate, and sent the new coordinates, which are in fact taken away bombs in the suburbs, where they do not cause significant damage. Agent Zigzag fully justified its existence, and it was guaranteed lifetime amnesty and £ 6,000 to boot from the UK government. However, his superiors were well aware that they are playing with fire. All that Eddie did for M15, was carried out not for the love of the Queen or the homeland. Agent Zigzag directed exclusively vested interests, and then, as we know, he who pays the piper calls the tune. While ushlogo adventurer bought up not once exploration, M15 decides to stop working with him. In November 1944, Edward Chapman informed that British intelligence is no longer in need of his services. And then the war came to an end, so that Fritshen agent has ceased to exist by itself.

Women Zigzag agent

The history of Eddie Chapman, or Agent Zigzag

Vera Friedberg

The daughter of Russian aristocrat and a German businessman. Eddie courted her with the most serious intentions. He rolled it into a sports car, drove to the best restaurants and filled up with gifts. One biographer Chapman argues that the case even came to marriage, to which Eddie went to help his beloved to be legalized in the UK. However, after Faith learned about infidelity new husband, she broke off all relations with him, and Chapman had to divorce her into the opposite side to appear in court.

Fred Stevenson

Beauty-dancer from Southend came from the same background as her lover. Fred did not ask too many questions when he left the night without her and returned home only in the morning, to dive into bed with her. Fred gave birth to Eddie's daughter, Diana, which he learned when serving time in prison on the island of Jersey. However, the prison administration has banned Chapman write any letter to freedom, and it is not able to help his daughter.

Betty Farmer

Stunning blonde who later wrote an autobiography of the person "Mrs. Zigzag" as Eddie, went to conquer the capital of a provincial town and quite succeeded in this. At the time of his meeting with Betty Chapman worked as a model and as a secretary, she had her own clothing store. Their romance was rugged and beautiful. His unexpected shutdown in La Plage Hotel gave a history of this romantic glow, Betty recalled all the subsequent years of that time as the happiest in his life.

Dagmar Laloum

Mistress-spy work not only for the Abwehr, but also in the Norwegian Resistance. Eddie met her at the Ritz bar in Oslo. The first week they met, he was certain that Dagmar - a high-flying moth. Gradually, it was revealed to him, and one day on a yacht with a bottle of brandy, he also admitted that he was playing a double game. Going to a regular job, Eddie had promised his lover that would return, they will open a night club in Paris, he would marry her ... Dagmar was waiting for him, and did not reveal the secret of Zigzag agent, although in touch with him Norwegian friends called her " Nazi whore. "

How many wolf feed ...

In 1946, Edward Chapman returned to his favorite pastime: he sat in the expensive restaurants in the Soho surrounded by starlets, doubtful companions, and all kinds of bohemians, concluded some suspicious transactions, attended races. However, something was missing in this carnival, and perhaps felt Akela approaching old age ... In general, in 1947, he decided to find his pre-war sweetheart Betty Farmer and, you never know, to marry her. They were connected to the best private detectives, but Eddie just ran into Betty's in London. It turned out that his instinct had not deceived: she was still extremely good, and it was the woman who was waiting for his whole life, was ready to forgive and to take any actions of its extravagant extravagant lover. And to accept that it was: after the wedding, Eddie is not retired.

He renewed ties with the criminal world of London and the M15 has not yet had time to stand up for him before the law and to pronounce forgiveness for his mischief. Eddie caught the smuggling of gold in the Mediterranean Sea, is cheating on the run, during trading on the black market ... Shortly after the war Chapman wrote an autobiography, and tell about the adventures of Agent Zigzag. For this he tried to sue the British security services (due to the disclosure of sensitive information), but then the book is still missing. According to her, Terence Young directed the film "Triple Cross" *.

Almost to the last days of Eddie remained the same deft gunman from Soho, and even the M15 are not able to count all the women who have passed through his bed. However, Betty forgive all, she was a devoted wife, bore him a daughter, even for him. They became heirs rather impressive state of Eddie Chapman, when he died on the 83-year life of a heart attack.