The Lockhart Plot: British Intelligence Fiasco or Soviet Masterstroke? with Dr. James Crossland

Welcome back, ragers, to another explosive episode of History Rage! Today, host Paul Bavill is joined by Professor of International History at Liverpool John Moores University, Dr. James Crossland. James, the author of "Rogue Agent," returns to rage against the myth of British intelligence infallibility during the tumultuous period at the end of the Great War. Raging Against the Myth: Dr. James Crossland takes us through the intricate web of British intelligence operations in 1918 Russia, debunking the myth that British spies were infallible, and instead revealing a chaotic and often incompetent reality. Robert Bruce Lockhart: Explore the life of Lockhart, a young and ambitious British agent tasked with navigating the perilous political landscape of post-revolutionary Russia. The Lockhart Plot: Dive into the covert operation aimed at overthrowing the Bolsheviks, involving a mix of British, American, and French conspirators, and a plan that ultimately ends in disaster. Soviet Counterintelligence: Understand the role of the Cheka, the Soviet secret police, in outsmarting British intelligence and turning the plot into a propaganda victory for the Bolsheviks. Post-War Career and Legacy: Depression and Recovery: Lockhart's struggles with depression in the 1920s and his eventual return to prominence as a journalist and best-selling author. World War II Contributions: Lockhart's role in the Political Warfare Executive, where he helped shape British propaganda efforts against Nazi Germany. Lessons Unlearned: How the failures of the Lockhart Plot foreshadowed future intelligence blunders during the Cold War, such as the Bay of Pigs and the Cambridge Five. Guest Information: James Crossland's book: "Rogue Agent" Follow James on Twitter: @DRrJCrossland. Don't forget to leave a review for History Rage on Apple, Podchaser, Amazon, or wherever you can! And join the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon for early episodes, prize draws, and the History Rage mug. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/historyrage. You can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage. To catch up on all the rage from bygone times go to the website www.historyrage.com If you want to get in touch with History Rage then email historyragepod@gmail.com