I Was Monty’s Double

An experienced intelligence officer who co-leads the deception with Major Harvey. He maps out the operation, coordinating resources and timelines to turn the plan into reality. Logan maintains a calm, calculating presence under pressure. His role underscores the strategic, bureaucratic side of wartime misdirection.

An intelligence officer who acts as Montgomery’s brigadier and aide-de-camp in the ruse. He escorts James, guiding him through the impersonation and ensuring the performance fits the general’s image. Harvey drives the operational tempo and maintains the illusion among troops and locals. His pragmatic approach keeps the plan coherent under stress.

M. E. Clifton James’s impersonator character, a Royal Army Pay Corps lieutenant and part-time actor. Chosen for his acting talent, he doubts at first but agrees to test his ability to mimic Montgomery. He studies the general’s mannerisms and travels with Harvey to North Africa. His performance becomes the linchpin of the deception.

A local businessman who is also a German agent. He’s invited to dinner to learn about the deception and to propagate the misinformation. Nielsen’s involvement shows how Allied misdirection can ripple through enemy social networks. His participation helps cement the illusion among German observers.

The long-time Gibraltar official who recognizes the likeness and supports the deception. He is impressed by the impersonation and plays along to avoid tipping off the Germans. The governor’s position makes Gibraltar a crucial staging point for the ruse. He embodies the local authority interplay with Allied plans.

The real-world general whose image is being mimicked for strategic deception. The impersonation hinges on convincing both Allies and Axis observers that Montgomery is directing operations from the ruse’s locations. The plot uses Montgomery’s persona to influence troop movements and German assumptions. He represents the ultimate symbol around which the deception revolves.