Was Britain behind ‘Operation Valkyrie’? Document reveals conspirator was an MI6 agent

A British intelligence agency may have had a part in Adolf Hitler’s attempt to take his life, as an author claims.

Operation Valkyrie failed plot was orchestrated by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. It saw a suitcase bomb planted and detonated at Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair Headquarters.

While four people were killed by the explosion, Hitler, who was left with an injured eardrum and perforated ears, survived the attack. He was then executed alongside many other conspirators.

Up until now, the assassination attempt, which was immortalised in 2008 Hollywood thriller Valkyrie, was believed to have been the sole work of Germans – although it was known that British-made explosives and triggers were used.

A previously classified file that was kept secret from the National Archives, but was finally declassified in 2007, revealed that Otto John was a German-based lawyer who was involved in planning the attack.

According to this file, John was assigned the codename “Whisky” and met his Mi6 bosses 12 times before the attempted killing of Hitler. This is what’s now known as The 20 July Plot.

His role is said to be that of an intermediary between Colonel George Hansen and Britain’s spy chiefs.

Nigel West discovered the file when he was doing research on Hitler’s Nest of Vipers. It is a history of the German intelligence agency.

MailOnline was told by John that John was a well-known historical figure. However, it was not known that Whisky was his codename. He was meeting Rita Winsor and Graham Maingot for the first time in two years prior to 20 July.

Jokingly, the historian said that while the two might have been just having “cosy meetings” and drinking tea together, the likelihood is that they were discussing the plot of 20 July. “The historical implications of these events are huge,” Mr West stated.

A British intelligence agency may have played an important role in Adolf Hitler’s attempt to kill him, according to author. Above: Aftermath of the plot on 20 July

A group of disillusioned soldiers, led by nobleman Count von Stauffenberg and army officers who were aware that Germany was going to lose the war, devised the 20 July plan.

Following months of planning with his conspirators, von Stauffenberg planted the bomb inside a conference room in Hitler’s East Prussian Headquarters, where Hitler was currently meeting his advisers.

Tom Cruise played Von Stauffenberg as the main character in the film.

The plan was thwarted when someone accidentally moved the bomb-laden briefcase next to a leg. This meant that it took much of the blast.

Up until now, the assassination attempt was believed to have been the sole work of Germans – although it was known that British-made explosives and triggers were used. However, the National Archives has recently declassified a top-secret file that was previously unread. It revealed that Otto John, a German attorney, was the conspirator.

The most interesting passage, written by Herbert Hart official, details John’s time as an S.I.S. [MI6]Two years as agent, and the Germans have been pursuing him on the basis that he participated in Hitler’s attempt to kill his life on July 20′.

The files reveal how John (pictured) was assigned the codename “Whisky” and met 12 times with his Mi6-handlers in the run up to Hitler’s attempt to kill him. This is what’s now known as the plot of 20 July.

However, 4 people were killed, 3 of them German officers. Hitler also had a perforated eardrum and his trousers were stained and damaged.

Stauffenberg, along with several other people, were killed in Berlin’s courtyard at the Bendlerblock.

Some others were hanged from piano wires in Berlin’s Gestapo Prison of Ploetzensee.

After the plot was foiled, John attempted to escape Germany using the MI5 document.

Operation Valkyrie, an unsuccessful plot that was orchestrated by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in Germany’s penultimate World War Two year, saw a bomb-laden suitcase explode inside Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair. Right: Tom Cruise played the role of Valkyrie’s officer in 2008.

The most striking passage, written by Herbert Hart official, details John’s time as an S.I.S. [MI6]Two years as agent, and the Germans have been pursuing him on the basis that he was involved in Hitler’s attempt to kill his life on July 20th’.

John managed to flee Germany as he worked for Lufthansa, so he wasn’t suspected of being on a flight from Germany to Madrid.

Hitler’s soldiers discovered that he was involved and arrested him before executing his brother.

John made it to Madrid and was then flown to England, where he later became the head of West Germany’s intelligence services.

The new file, Mr West stated, is “absolutely amazing”. A MI6 parallel document is also referenced in the file, which was never discovered.

Following months of planning with his conspirators, von Stauffenberg dropped the bomb into a conference room in Hitler’s East Prussian Headquarters. This was where Hitler and his military advisors were meeting. Above: Von Stauffenberg can be seen standing far left next to Hitler five days prior to the attack.

Hitler’s pants (pictured above), along with his perforated ears, were also singed and torn.

It could be more detailed about John’s relationship to the intelligence service if it is still available.

West stated: “Based on the astonishing evidence it is inconceivable that British didn’t know, have an opinion about, or participate in this momentous plot.”

“We now know that Otto John is an MI6 asset. He also has a large MI6 dossier. This will reveal the British role in Valkyrie, and Otto John’s role as the “missing link”.

He found the MI5 files amid ongoing legal proceedings led by German aristocrat Frederick Solms Baruth. His grandfather was in part of the 20 July plot.

Baruth Castle, a 17,000-acre family estate was the key hub for plotters. It allowed them to meet and discuss their plans while riding horses. The Nazis tortured Prince Frederick’s grandfather Prince Friedrich zu Solmszu-Baruth III after he was found out about his involvement. After being exposed, Prince Friedrich zu Solms-Baruth III was taken into custody and tortured by the Nazis. He had to give Heinrich Himmler his estates. Their land was not returned to the family after the war, and is now the property of the German government

The MI5 files were discovered by the historian during a lengthy legal battle between Prince Frederick Solms Baruth and the German aristocrat. Solms Baruth’s grandfather was involved with the 20 July plot.

Baruth Castle on 17,000 acres was the family’s key headquarters. Here they discussed and shared their plans while horse-riding.

After his role in the discovery of Prince Frederick’s role, Prince Friedrich zu Solmsbaruth III was captured and tortured.

His family estates were transferred to Heinrich Himmler, Hitler’s deputy. 

After the war, their family did not get their land back. It is now in the hands of the German state.

Prince Frederick will appear at court in an effort to get the land back.