Chelsea History Festival 2026Talk

Did Espionage Win the Second World War?

Book tickets

Location:
National Army Museum (Foyle 1)

Date & time:
Saturday 3 Oct 2026, 6.00pm - 7.00pm

Price:
£15.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)

Leading historians examine whether spies, secret missions and intelligence operations genuinely changed the course of the Second World War.

About the event

Espionage has become one of the most enduring and romanticised elements of the Second World War. Stories of spies, resistance networks, codebreakers and daring secret missions continue to dominate books, films and popular memory.

But how effective were these operations? Did intelligence gathering and covert action decisively influence the course of the conflict, or has their importance sometimes been exaggerated?

Historians Daniel Cowling, Helen Fry and Roderick Bailey examine the realities behind some of the war’s most remarkable intelligence stories. Together, they will explore the work of specialist units, professional agents and civilians, asking how far espionage shaped military decisions and the eventual outcome of the war.

Dr Daniel Cowling

Dr Daniel Cowling is a historian at the National Army Museum specialising in modern British and European history. He completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge and is the author of Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans.

Helen Fry

Helen Fry is a historian, biographer and author of more than 20 books on intelligence, prisoners of war and the social history of the Second World War. She regularly contributes to documentaries, podcasts and media discussions.

Dr Roderick Bailey

Dr Roderick Bailey is a historian specialising in wartime medicine, resistance and political protest. He is based at the Oxford Centre for the History of Science, Medicine and Technology.

Festival planning

Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at the National Army Museum. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.

Estimated walking times from this venue: 3 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 4 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 5 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 10 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 12 minutes to Cadogan Hall, 14 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 23 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.

Additional information

This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.

Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.

FAQs

Is the National Army Museum accessible?

Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,

Are bikes or scooters allowed?

Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.

Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.

How can I book tickets?

Online booking is available 24/7 on this website.

You can book by phone on 0131 226 0014 from Monday – Friday 10 – 6pm from 10 July but will need to make payment at the time. We cannot reserve tickets.

You can book in person at the National Army Museum from Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29th if there is still availability at that time, which we cannot guarantee.

Is there a booking fee and what are the terms & conditions?

Please see the full terms & conditions on the booking platform when you book tickets.

The booking fee is £2.00 and this applies online, on the telephone and in person.

All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, with the exception of cancelled events which we will refund within 28 days. The organising venue reserves the right to change event speakers and content may be subject to change. Refunds will not be issued if the event is still taking place.

Are there concessionary tickets?

There are no concessions for Chelsea History Festival tickets, which have been priced as reasonably as possible. People requiring a carer, support worker or personal assistant will get a complimentary carer ticket. To book this please contact our box office on 0131 226 0014.

Proof of concession is required for these tickets so please be prepared to show relevant ID.