Love, Lies and the Ring of Spies | True Life Spy Stories

In the quaint, unassuming Isle of Portland, Dorset, the late 1950s hummed with the monotony of everyday life. Little did its residents know that their sleepy enclave would soon become the epicentre of an international espionage drama.

At the heart of this tale of betrayal were two love-struck British spies, a KGB operative masquerading as a Canadian businessman, and two American communists posing as antiquarian book dealers.

Operating between 1953 and 1961 from within the United Kingdom’s Underwater Weapons Establishment, the Portland Spy Ring sent highly classified research documents, including on nuclear submarine and sonar technology to the UK’s Cold War adversary the Soviet Union.

If only MI5 had paid more attention to the red flags and heeded the direct warnings, they could have staunched the flow of secrets to the Soviets years earlier.

It would take a tip-off from a Polish intelligence officer and one of the CIA’s most prized agents in place to bring the entire house of cards that was the Portland Spy Ring tumbling down.

This is the story of Harry Houghton, Ethel Gee, the Kroger's and Gordon Lonsdale - the Portland Spy Ring.

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#philipthompson #portlandspyring #spystories

[Tocsin-Bang]

My late father, knew Houghton professionally, and was interviewed by personnel from the DNS (Directorate of naval Intelligence. I remember when they knocked on our door, my mother shouted to m father "There's some men from the DNI here." They said; "You are not meant to know that!". She said that they should change their car number plate.

[alfredlomax]

I was on the jury at the O)ld Bailey during this traumatic trial. Being the youngest jurer, I am probably the only one still alive. I had just reached my 29th Birthday a couple of weeks earlier. I was sitting in the notable 10th seat. There was a reason it was regarded in the evening papers as the, Notable 10th seat. It was explained to the jurers during the trial. At the time of writing this article, I am 90yrs and six months old.

[chadczternastek]

I can watch these spy documentaries all day and night. I wish they would make a series or movies about these lesser known spy rings. So interesting how deep these spies went. Thinking so many moves ahead.

[markadams]

This is a great docudrama. Thanks for posting. It's frightening to consider that this kind of story has occurred 100s of times across history and is probably happening today!

[BrianOlsen-lw]

I quite enjoy your work. I happened to be the first view so I thought I'd record this for posterity lol seriously, this channel is awesome, I've listened to each video a few times.

[readytogo]

Cold War has always fascinated me. Great job.

[daisys]

All is well that ends well. The three Russians on stamps, the two British spies in love and married till death. Incredible spy lives. As for the documentary, with hardly any live footage, you made it so captivating. The last two lines, despite being ordinary, sounded so profound due to your voice and dipped tone. I replayed them to check. Thanks for the delightful story-telling.

[gordonsmith]

It’s a relief that Houghton only handed over “England’s” secrets. N. Ireland, Scotland and Wales secrets were thankfully safe.

[pandaGamer]

hope your holiday was good, appreciate what you do man

[fintanoneill]

Very well made. Excellent script. The paintings add a beautiful touch. Thank you.

[rosewhite---]

10:20 is the root of British spying - a senior worker in the naval establishment being unable to afford a cheap Dauphine
No wonder a bundle of cash from a Russian was a good lure!

[victornderu]

The quality of your videos and information has no match! Great work 👏

[Bob-Horse]

Very interesting and enjoyable. I was familiar with this story from the movie ‘Ring of Spies’, so it was good to get the actual facts of events and see what the individuals looked like. 🙏🏻

[alexandradane]

This is a terrific video - thank you so much. I can still vaguely remember the court case and the disbelief that this Ring had operated for so long, right under the noses of the Intelligences Services . And of course, George Blake and Philby and co. Thank you again, a new Subscriber .

[studebaker]

Excellent film in all respects, thank you. I can recall the events becoming known, but was hazy about their linkage. Amazing how pathetic the UK authorities appeared. No wonder the Establishment went to town with George Blake's sentence of 42 years, whilst letting Philby slip away.

[jonrutherford]

A story gripping and appalling at the same time, and a beautiful production job. Real spy stories often seem so improbable that they'd make poor fiction -- yet the facts are there. This is a good example.

[antonietadeoliveira]

I enjoyed that posting. Your narration is very pleasant. Thank you

[jeffking]

Interesting.
As an American, I do know the story of the Cohens. But did not know this part.

[martinjones]

The words British Intelligence appear to be an oxymoron

[chrisg]

Thanks for not having the usual loud horrid intrusive background music. Some of the stills look very out of place though, but never mind.