Double Cross

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D-Day, 6 June 1944, marked a pivotal moment in the Second World War, not just as a military victory but also as a remarkable feat of deception. The Allies aimed to mislead the Nazis into believing that Calais and Norway were the actual targets of the invasion force of 150,000 troops. This elaborate ruse involved various branches of Allied intelligence, including Bletchley Park code-breakers, MI5, MI6, SOE, and the French Resistance. Central to this deception was the 'Double Cross System,' a group of double agents managed by the Twenty Committee, named for the Roman numeral representation of twenty, which signifies a double cross. The core of the operation consisted of five unique spies: a bisexual Peruvian playgirl, a diminutive Polish fighter pilot, a charming Serbian, a creative Spaniard with a chicken farming diploma, and a Frenchwoman whose obsessive love for her dog nearly jeopardized the mission. Their success hinged on the actions of a mysterious sixth spy whose sacrifice is revealed for the first time. Guided by an eccentric intelligence officer in tartan trousers, these agents crafted a complex web of deception that ensnared Hitler's forces, facilitating the safe passage of Allied troops. These unconventional warriors, with codenames like Bronx, Brutus, Treasure, Tricycle, and Garbo, played a crucial role in saving countless lives through their audacious and inspired deceit.