Murdered Polish Spy Who Inspired ‘Casino Royale’ Character Is Honoured

THE POLISH Hearth Club in London has unveiled a new bronze bust depicting renowned British spy, Krystyna Skarbek, writes Alex Bowers. Skarbek is recognised for playing an important yet relatively unknown role during the Second World War.

Event organiser, and author of Skarbek’s biography, Clare Mulley, said: “She was a remarkable woman and it is ludicrous that she is not better known.” Skarbek, a countess, was living in Poland when the Nazi’s invaded in 1939. Incensed by the occupation, she demanded that the British Secret Service recruit her, leading to many remarkable missions including skiing out of Poland with the first evidence of Operation Barbarossa - the Nazi plans to invade the Soviet Union. Greatly admired by Churchill - who, according to his daughter, called Krystyna his “favourite spy” - Skarbek would continue to serve Britain and her native homeland with considerable bravery and distinction.

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