On 15 June 1952, the Soviet Baltic Fleet's newly equipped cruiser Sverdloff travelled to portsmouth in the United Kingdom for Queen Elizabeth's coronation.
In the eyes of the British, the Soviets had come to smash the field. The United States, Australia, and other countries came by invitation, but the Soviets came uninvited and insisted on coming.
Not long ago, the United States, Britain and other countries have just learned the power of the Soviet MiG-15 fighter jet and the T34 tank. Now the Soviets have brought the latest cruisers to the british doorstep.
The solid shape of the Soviet cruiser really surprised the American and British navies present. What disturbed the US and British navies even more was that this Soviet cruiser was actually designed by the famous Tupolev Aviation Design Bureau. A group of aviation experts do not build airplanes, but build warships instead.
The Soviets did a good job of secrecy, and American and British agents did not have the opportunity to get close to this new cruiser. The cruiser Sverdlov, without taking off the veil of mystery, spun around in England in a dazzling manner, then waved his hand, not taking away a cloud, leaving only great fear and endless speculation.
The Americans said they had little-known data from the cruiser Sverdlov. This kind of cruiser was equipped with the world's most advanced sonar system at that time, and the function of the shipboard radar should not be underestimated, and the most disturbing thing was that the cruiser had a special sealing cabin carrying 24 nuclear mines under the waterline, which, after the explosion of the shock wave, formed a tsunami, enough to destroy a medium-sized city.
This information, which is also true and false, has aroused a strong desire to spy on the United States, Britain and other countries.
The cruiser "Sverdlov" docked in Kaliningrad, the home port of the Baltic Fleet, the United States and Britain once sent two pocket submarines to infiltrate the port of Kaliningrad for reconnaissance, only to be discovered by the Soviets, and the two pocket submarines that came from afar were directly confiscated.
The United States, Britain and other countries have lost their wives and folded their troops, but they still want to do everything possible to spy. Those powerful nuclear mines were enough to make them sleep.
In the deep fear of the United States, Britain and other countries, the Soviets enriched this new type of cruiser into their navies at a rate of one ship per year, which was collectively known as the "Sverdlov" class cruiser. These little brothers who have just entered service have greatly improved their performance on the original basis. The third cruiser, the Ordzhonikidze, had a displacement of more than 19,000 tons.
The United States, Britain and other countries still have no idea about the performance of these new cruisers. They worked hard to get information on new cruisers at all costs, creating opportunities when there was no chance.
In April 1956, then British Prime Minister Eden invited Khrushchev, then the soviet leader, to visit Britain.
Despite Aiden's prior assurances, he would not engage in any espionage against Soviet guests. But no one believed what the British Prime Minister said, it was just a simple diplomatic rhetoric. If unfortunately caught by the Soviets, Aiden could pass the blame on his subordinates. So as not to cause diplomatic passivity.
Meanwhile, the head of the CIA in London, The Royal Navy's director of intelligence, John F. Kennedy, was the head of the CIA' London. Major General Ingrid, head of the London bureau chief of MI6, Nicholas. Elliot, together, developed a thorough plan of action. Many ace agents were sent to hide around Portsmouth Harbour in advance. Be sure to get important information from the visiting Soviets.
Inside the Koleryye Hotel, where Khrushchev and others were to stay, U.S. intelligence agents installed a large number of eavesdropping devices in various rooms and in nearby buildings.
On 18 April, Khrushchev arrived at the invitation of the cruiser Ordzhonikidze, escorted by two destroyers, Sovoschni and Smotrisaki, and slowly sailed into portsmouth.
The cruisers anchored close to the breakwaters in the harbor, with the destroyer Smotrisaki in the center and the destroyer Sovoschni on the outskirts.
On the 3rd floor of a hotel near the port, a large middle-aged man with a telescope in his hand could not escape his eyes.
The man, Lionel Crabbe, was born in 1909 in a slum in London, where he fought and looted and accompanied him throughout his childhood. The gentlemanly demeanor disguised by the British, Crabbe did not learn at all, he was robust, savage, aggressive, cold, adventurous, and if there were no accidents, prison would be his final destination.
The accident happened, when Crabbe was 30 years old, and World War II broke out in full swing. The street thug Crabbe transformed himself into a soldier in the British Army.
The British Army is better at surrendering, but Crabbe does not even have the opportunity to surrender, what they can do is to hide in the British Isles, stare at the German mustache, spit, and look like you have the ability to come and beat me.
Crabbe felt that this soldier was too embarrassed, and it was not as good as he was flirting with good women on the street, and he had no money to find someone to collect protection fees to get addicted. So Crabbe became a deserter.
In fact, this was a stupid decision, the british mainland was exhausted, Princess Elizabeth was wearing a military uniform, and a warrior like Crabbe walked on the street with great power, and it was impossible not to attract attention.
I don't know if the British had the habit of catching strong men, but Crabbe was back in the army anyway, but he was now a member of the British Royal Navy and learning diving techniques.
When learning to dive, Trab showed his amazing diving talent and became an authoritative figure among the British frogmen, and because of his outstanding record, Crabbe became the Chief Diver of the Royal Navy in northern Italy.
After the end of World War II, a large number of mines were scattered throughout various European ports, posing a serious threat to passing ships. In a very short time, Crabbe, with his frogmen, eliminated a large number of mines from the ports of Livorno and Venice, making them navigable. So Crabbe also dropped a nickname of "Giant Bomb", and it is not known what the meaning of this nickname is.
Lionel Crabbe
In April 1956, militant 6 was replaced by MI6 Director John M. Sinclair, who personally directed Crabbe to carry out a top-secret operation, another Ace of MI6, Frogman Bernard. Smith, as Crabbe's assistant, cooperated with the action.
In the early morning of April 19, Crabbe and Bernard. Smith, who had come to a naval diving center near the harbor, changed into a wetsuit made by Hank in London, carried a large amount of spy equipment, and quietly dived underwater at about 7 a.m., more than 300 meters from the stern of the cruiser Ordzhonikidze.
But not long after, Crabbe returned to the Navy Dive Center, took some lead ballast, and dived into the water again.
At around 11:30 a.m., Crabbe's assistant Bernard. Smith, alone, returned to the hotel where he lived, settled the bill, and left in a hurry with the luggage of the two men. Crabbe, on the other hand, had heard nothing, as if he had evaporated from the human world.
That night, British Prime Minister Eden held a welcome banquet for Khrushchev, the atmosphere was very warm and harmonious, and Aiden and Khrushchev also talked quite speculatively.
But at this moment, the captain of the cruiser Ordzhonikidze, Sirov, angrily walked up to the British Minister of the Navy, Jamesto. In front of Mas, he asked in a loud voice, "What did you naval frogmen do this morning near our ship's side?"
The atmosphere froze, and the Soviets turned their angry eyes to the British prime minister.
The banquet was interrupted and an enraged Khrushchev made an impromptu speech claiming that Britain was America's lackey. We must bury you completely.
The Soviet translator and the British translator looked at each other and did not know how to translate this sentence to the British.
Khrushchev
Fortunately, the Soviet translator was quite resourceful, and took out a pre-prepared speech, and the British applauded it warmly. Farewell to Khrushchev away.
Khrushchev and the others did not return to their residence, but returned to their accommodation on the Soviet warship. The three Soviet troops were also on high alert and ready for combat.
That night, the Soviet military sent a note to the British Navy asking them to give the necessary reasonable explanation for the frogman's visit to the Soviet warship.
The British espionage was caught by the Soviets, which embarrassed British Prime Minister Aiden in front of the world. In the face of the aggressive Soviets, Aiden could only perfunctory prevaricate. At this moment, he already knew that the British ace frogman Crabbe was missing, and he was most worried that Crabbe would fall into the hands of the Soviets.
But the Soviets were tight-lipped, and no matter how they knocked on the sidelines, they didn't offer any clues about Crabbe.
Mi6 has become the target of public criticism, and they are eager to get rid of their relationship with Crabbe, and they have even called for MI5 to help.
MI5 approached Lambert, the head of customs intelligence at portsmouth, and asked him to help destroy all evidence about Crabbe.
Lambert was obedient and immediately rushed to the hotel where Crabbe had stayed, but his next performance was not flattering, he tore up the record of Crabbe's stay here, noting that it was torn up or burned, and threatened the owner of the inn: "Keep a strict mouth, and don't say something that shouldn't be said."
As soon as Lambert left on his front foot, Soviet agents tracked him down, restored the torn records of his accommodation, and found that Crabbe had registered the original name he had used. And his assistant Bernard. Smith, registered his address as a "relevant agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
This is the standard disguised address used by MI6 agents when carrying out their missions, and it is an open secret. Soviet agents also got the most wanted confessions from hoteliers and recorded them.
MI5 thought they were doing things seamlessly, but they didn't expect to cover up. The tapes and other information gathered by Soviet agents infuriated Khrushchev, who arranged a 10-day visit to Britain during which no meaningful agreement was reached between the Soviet Union and Britain.
At the end of the visit on 29 April, the British Admiralty, anxious to put things to rest, signed and issued a statement saying that Crabbe, the commander of the Navy's volunteer reserve team carrying secret diving equipment, had failed to return while conducting diving training in Stokes Bay near portsmouth, and was believed to have died.
But the Soviets apparently had more information in their hands, and they submitted a diplomatic note to the British Foreign Office, insisting that the British government give a detailed explanation of the incident.
Soon the British Foreign Office came up with a statement signed by the British Admiralty to perfunctory the Soviets.
The Soviet Union was determined to embarrass the British government by not "carefully" revealing to the media the contents of the note to the British Foreign Office and the content of the British Foreign Office's reply. Another source was provided, with the Admiralty claiming that Crabbe had left the Royal Navy in 1955. But in the 1956 Navy roster, Crabbe's name was prominently listed. It is ample to prove that Crabbe was an active officer in the Royal Navy at that time.
The soviets' purpose was achieved. Ordinary people in Britain strongly demanded that Aiden immediately reveal the truth.
The British prime minister was embarrassed, and in the face of a wave of doubts, he could only declare to the outside world: Crabbe's actions were not approved by the prime minister.
Aiden's explanation was soon questioned, and Crabbe was a MI6 guy, was MI6 out of the Prime Minister's jurisdiction.
Aiden wants to cover up and secretly direct Operation Crabbe," MI6 chief John Y. Sinclair was replaced by MI5's Dick. White took his place.
Aiden had already shed tears, but there were still people who chased and beat aiden, who was physically and mentally exhausted. He was asked to personally explain The current situation of Crabbe. Simply put, it is "to be born to see people, and to die to see corpses."
This is obviously cutting down the willow tree to eat the dates, which is difficult for strong people. Aiden wouldn't have been so passive if he knew Crabbe's whereabouts. In January 1967, Aiden resigned.
A few months later, a British fisherman found a headless, handless, scattered body on a sand embankment in Chichester Harbor. The body also contains a wetsuit used by frogmen, also made by Hank in London. It is the same as the wetsuit used by Crabbe.
Because the corpse had no head and no hands, it was impossible to examine his teeth, let alone extract fingerprints. Crabbe's colleague Norris and his ex-wife were taken to the scene to identify the body. It was finally confirmed that it was Crabbe's body, but the cause of death was not specified in the Cause of Death column.
But the autopsy results were soon questioned, and Crabbe had a visible Y-shaped scar on his left leg that had been left over from a fight he had fought when he was younger. But the corpse on the beach had no scars, the body was flat feet, and Crabbe's feet didn't have that feature.
Norris, who was immediately involved in the identification of the body, also admitted that the body was not Crabbe. In identifying the body, he was threatened by the British government.
Then the Soviets, consciously or unconsciously, published several photographs declaring that Crabbe was alive and well and was working for the Soviet Navy. The truth of the Crabbe affair became increasingly confusing.
Not long after, the Soviet KGB Anatoly. Grizen defected to the United States, where he said conclusively that the KGB had a large amount of eyeliner in the British intelligence service, and that the Soviets had received secret reports long before Crabbe was launched, and had placed a number of frogmen around the cruiser, waiting for Crabbe to throw himself into the net.
But until 12 noon, no trace of Crabbe was found. The frogmen were ordered to get on the boat to rest, but found a frogman in an English diving suit, lying on his back on the water, already dying, this person was Crabbe.
The British diving suit he was wearing had a container on his chest to store carbon dioxide absorbers, and when Crabbe was on a secret mission, due to high tension and operational errors, he accidentally leaked seawater into the container, and the carbon dioxide in the absorbent leaked out, forming a toxic gas called "Sudaye Lime Cocktail".
Once this gas is inhaled by the diver, it will immediately cause people to fall into a coma and die slowly and painfully.
After Being rescued by the Soviets on the ship, Crabbe was already in a state of brain death, although after emergency rescue, but finally lacked strength, Crabbe died at 5:00 p.m. that day.
After Crabbe's death, the body was refrigerated on the destroyer, Khrushchev ended his visit to England, and the fleet held a solemn sea burial ceremony for Crabbe on the way back.
Although the explanation of the Defection of the KGB in the Soviet Union sounds reasonable, it is only one-sided after all, and he cannot produce any evidence that the Soviets have held a sea burial for Crabbe.
If what he said was true, then who was the body that the British firmly identified as Crabbe?
He also said that in Britain's intelligence services, there were a large number of Soviet KGB spies lurking.
The British would rather believe in this sentence than believe in its absence. A large-scale secret purge of his own intelligence services began, and many British agents mysteriously disappeared and their whereabouts were unknown. But it turned out that these were all fictitious things.
Later, the Soviets came forward and said that he was the frogman on the mission at that time, and that he had cut Crabbe's throat with a dagger.
There are more and more legends about Crabbe, and perhaps the truth will be annihilated forever in the long river of history.
In 1962, the cruiser Ordzhonikidze, which killed Crabbe, was "given" to the Indonesian Navy free of charge by the Soviets.
Only then did U.S. intelligence officers have the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the cruiser, which disappointed them.
There are no legendary advanced radars and sonar on the cruiser, and there are no nuclear mines that make people talk about discoloration.
The Americans realized that they were frightened by the lies they had made up.
However, when the Soviets handled the Crabbe incident, they showed extremely clever means, not only caused the British to lose a top agent, but also humiliated the British government in public, and most importantly, the British intelligence agencies were counter-calculated, making everyone endanger themselves, and completely lost the ability to provoke the Soviet Union.
But the British have some broken cans and broken spirits, completely released themselves, this unknown death of Crabbe, by the British into a superhero Bond 007, since in reality to die of resignation, then go to the screen to show their might.