In 1956, Lionel (Buster) Crabb, a World War II hero due to his work as an underwater clearance diver, was recruited by MI6 to investigate the Soviet cruiser Ordzhonikidze which was in Portsmouth on a diplomatic mission. In particular he was sent to investigate the Ordzhonikidze's propeller — a new design that Naval Intelligence wanted to find out more about. On 19 April Crabb dived into Portsmouth Harbour and was never seen again. MI6 tried to cover up the true nature of him mission. Crabb's companion in the Sally Port Hotel took all his belongings and even the page of the hotel register where they had written their names. Official documents at the National Archive have had the usual closure period of 30 years extended so they will not be available until 2057.
The next year, on 9 June 1957, a body in a frogman suit was found floating off Pilsey Island in the Harbour. It was missing its head and both hands, which made it impossible to identify (using then-available technology). Was this Buster?
There are many theories surrounding Buster’s disappearance and the incident has inspired films and stories including Ian Fleming for the James Bond adventure Thunderball.
For a fuller account:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Crabb
The next year, on 9 June 1957, a body in a frogman suit was found floating off Pilsey Island in the Harbour. It was missing its head and both hands, which made it impossible to identify (using then-available technology). Was this Buster?
There are many theories surrounding Buster’s disappearance and the incident has inspired films and stories including Ian Fleming for the James Bond adventure Thunderball.
For a fuller account:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Crabb
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment