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Governor's Lecture Series - "Operation Postmaster: Delivering the True Story"

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Governor's Lecture Series - Operation Postmaster: Delivering the True Story

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Governor's Lecture Series - Operation Postmaster: Delivering the True Story

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Date: Wednesday 19th August 2026
 
Join Ashley Barnett as he tells the true story of Operation Postmaster, which has recently appeared on the public stage following its ‘inclusion’ in the 2024 Guy Ritchie film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.  
 
The talk will begin with a brief introduction to the Special Operations Executive (SOE) – otherwise known by its wartime cover name of the Inter-Services Research Bureau (ISRB), or simply as “the firm”. This wartime secret organisation was subsequently dubbed The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.  
 
Ashley will give a detailed account of the top secret raid on a neutral Spanish colony of Fernando Po off West Africa, by a unit that subsequently became the Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF).  His presentation will highlight connections to Ian Fleming and his James Bond (007) character, and the real-life ‘M’.
 
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A man with short dark hair, sits within the cockpit of a WWII fighter jet, wearing Air Force flying wear and giving a thumbs up.

Guest Speaker:

Ashley Barnett

About Ashley

Ashley Barnett is a Trustee and Treasurer of the Secret WW2 Learning Network, an educational charity specialising in the secret and clandestine aspects of the Second World War. Through his roles at the charity, Ashley has been involved in several projects, including the installation of plaques and information boards, and arranging commemorative events.

While SOE’s involvement in France is more widely documented, Ashley focusses on telling the story of SOE on the world stage, with a wide-reaching catalogue of sabotage and subversion.

Ashley enjoys combining his passions of history and travel by visiting battlefields and historical locations across the globe, such as Kohima, Alamein and the Falklands.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 19th August 
Location: The Soane Stable Yard (Entrance via Chelsea Gate)

Schedule:

  • 18:00 - 18:30 - Drinks reception at Heidi Bakery
  • 18:30 - 19:15 - Lecture
  • 19:15 - 19:30 - Q&A session

Ticket Price: £15 per person (Includes a complimentary drink).

All ticket revenue supports the ongoing care and wellbeing of our Chelsea Pensioners.

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