 |
Sidny George ReyliA British intelligence officer who operated in Russia and the Middle East in the 1910s and 1920s.
Date of Birth: 24.03.1874
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Sidney Reilly: A Master of Espionage
- Career in Intelligence
- The Russian Revolution
- Fall from Grace
- Continuing Anti-Soviet Activities
- Return to Russia and Demise
- Legacy
Sidney Reilly: A Master of Espionage
Early Life and EducationBorn as Georgy Rosenblum in Odessa, Ukraine, on March 24, 1874 (according to most sources), Sidney Reilly was the illegitimate son of Dr. Mikhail Abramovich Rosenblum and Polina (Perla) Rosenblum. He grew up with his adoptive family in the household of his cousin, Grigory (Gersh) Rosenblum. After being arrested for involvement in a revolutionary student group in 1882, Reilly fled to South America. In Brazil, he adopted the name "Pedro" and worked various jobs.
In 1895, Reilly joined a British exploration expedition as a cook. He rescued agent Charles Fothergill during the expedition, a gesture that would prove pivotal. With Fothergill's help, Reilly obtained a British passport and traveled to England, where he changed his name to "Sigmund."
Career in Intelligence
After studying chemistry and medicine in Austria, Reilly enrolled in British intelligence in 1897 under the surname of his Irish wife, Margaret Reilly-Callaghan. As "Lieutenant Reilly," he served in the British embassy in St. Petersburg from 1897 to 1898.
From 1903 onward, Reilly operated in Russia's Port Arthur under the guise of a timber merchant. He gained the trust of Russian military commanders and obtained a plan of the fortifications, which he sold to the Japanese.
In the years leading up to World War I, Reilly worked in Russia as an assistant to the British naval attaché. He later served in Europe.
The Russian Revolution
At the outset of the Russian Revolution, Reilly joined a mission to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk. In 1918, he travelled to Odessa and established an intelligence network within the Red Army. He also contacted Latvian commander E. Berzin, to whom he provided money and information on White Guard officers.
Reilly established contacts with Boris Savinkov and his assassins and participated in the "Lockhart Conspiracy." He attempted to organize uprisings and fund anti-Bolshevik groups. In May 1918, he escorted Alexander Kerensky to safety in Murmansk.
Fall from Grace
Despite his successes, Reilly's plans ultimately failed. The assassination of Lenin and the revolt of the Left Socialist-Revolutionaries proved unsuccessful. His involvement in the "Lockhart Conspiracy" led to his arrest and expulsion from Russia.
Continuing Anti-Soviet Activities
After his return to England, Reilly became a consultant to Winston Churchill on Russian affairs. He continued to advocate for the overthrow of the Soviet regime.
Return to Russia and Demise
In 1925, Reilly was enticed back to Russia by his friend George Hill, an associate of Leon Trotsky and the OGPU. He was arrested upon crossing the border and confessed his espionage activities. On September 29, 1925, he was officially reported as having been killed during a border crossing.
Legacy
Sidney Reilly's career as a spy has earned him a reputation as one of the most legendary figures in espionage history. Known as the "King of Spies" or the "Ace of the Permanent Revolution," Reilly's exploits continue to captivate and inspire generations of intelligence professionals and historians alike.
