This week we didn't have our usual club night, instead members travelled to Irby and participated in a quiz night as guests of WADARC.

This led to Don't Shoot the Messenger
Frank commenced his presentation by going through the origin of the British Intelligence Services, how the seeds had been sown 30 years before. He outlined how the then young Churchill and David Lloyd George (Chancellor at that time) persuaded the Government to set up and independent code breaking services – as distinct from the Naval and Army Intelligence – Room 40 in the Admiralty, it found its feet during WW1. However although intelligence was improving, there was distrust from the armed services about using it, his example was the battle for Jutland.
After Jutland nobody really knew who had won, but had the Navy used the intelligence service correctly Britain would have won. Frank identified how the failure to correctly use intelligence meant the Navy was half a day late finding the German Fleet- hence what is popularly considered as a draw.
By the 1940's nothing had really changed, the Army distrusted intelligence, but were forced to take it seriously – and that led to our intelligence sucesses . That and the fact we had a Prime Minister who believed in intelligence.
But what of the Germans? Frank discussed the probability that overlap in German Intelligence and their distrust of each rival service, added to the fact that more and more men were sent to man death camps meant German intelligence was disorganised. It is believed that it was suggested to Hitler to group intelligence under one umbrella, but Hitler with his fear and paranoia wouldn't have it.
The Russians – unsurprisingly Russia had one of the best intelligence services available in the war, the problem was Stalin. When the Russians had accurate intelligence prior to the German attack on Russia Stalin didn't want to know, he knew they weren't ready for war with Germany.
The summary is Stalin was surrounded by Conspiracy in his mind and ignored his intelligence. German rigidity and Nazi ideology robbed their intelligence of initiative. Britain – mobilised its Don's, and had faith in their brilliance.
We all enjoyed Franks Talk, It was well supported with handouts, music and visual aids. What added to our enjoyment all the more was knowning that our evenings entertainment was suppporting Franks work for charity, as he is a tireless supporter of local charities.  Well Done Frank.

Lisa Mossop Chaiman Chester & District Radio Society
Submitted by m0lsa