Winnipeg Free Press

Nominated by: David J. Danyluk

Why Sir William Stephenson should be a Great Manitoban:

Claim to fame: War hero, spymaster, inspiration for James Bond

Manitoba dosage: 3

Fast Facts: Cited for heroism as a pilot in World War 1...Wounded during a gas attack in 1916...Head of British Security Co-ordination in World War II, code name Intrepid...Some suggest his covert operations in World War II were a decisive factor in the Allied victory...James Bond creator Ian Fleming has said his character was inspired by Stephenson...In recommending him for knighthood, Sir Winston Churchill wrote: "This one is dear to my heart."

30 Comments

• Few people on this list, if any, have had anywhere near the global impact as this man. It is not unreasonable to suggest that the entire world could have been significanlty worse off if not for the existence of William Stephenson.

  Posted by: R Down | 2008-05-27 11:16:10

• Born in Winnipeg, a decorated WW1 veteran as a solder and airman, a sucessful businessman and a key ally of Sir Winston Churchill both before and during WW2. He is considered a spymaster, having cracked the German codes and developed a secure code for the British. Known as "Intrepid", he was knighted for his wartime work and is reputed to be the man after whom Ian Fleming based his James Bond character. Had Hitler won WW2, and he came closer than people realise, many of your nominees would not have been able to achieve whatever they accomplished. Sir William Stephenson was certainly one of the people who was instrumental in winning that war.

  Posted by: William Martin | 2008-06-01 09:24:28

• For his great contribution in WW11.

  Posted by: Rae Reid | 2008-06-02 12:58:24

• (1) The Winnipeg Foundation website claims that he: (a) "was Churchill’s personal advisor on Allied intelligence, & was his liaison with Roosevelt during WW II." (b) "invented the first wireless photograph transmission system, a process that was later developed into television." (2) The Wikipedia website claims: (a) "Ian Fleming wrote in The Times, October 21, 1962: 'James Bond is a highly romanticized version of a true spy. The real thing is... William Stephenson'" (b) "Character Inspirations .... Most notably was William Stephenson, who was a Canadian spymaster, best known by his code name, Intrepid.” (3) In the foreword to the book The Quiet Canadian, Ian Fleming states," People often ask me how closely ... James Bond resembles a true, live secret agent. ...the man sitting alone now in his study in New York is so much closer to the spy of fiction ... Such a man is ... Sir William Stephenson." (4) The Churchill Foundation website claims that : (a) 'Churchill, recommending him for a knighthood in 1945, wrote: "This one is dear to my heart."' (b) 'Stephenson telexed, "The photos are of my wife which were the first to be transmitted by radio across the Atlantic ... appeared ... The New York Times, Sunday, August 31, 1924."' (5) The New York Times (Feb.3, 1989 edition -- by Albin Krebs) website claims: (a) "became British Security Coordinator for the Western Hemisphere" [WW II] (b) "operating out of a suite [Room 3603] in Rockefeller Center in New York, Sir William sometimes served as a go-between for Churchill and Roosevelt" (c) "helped in the organization of the United States' wartime [WW II] intelligence operation, the Office of Strategic Services, whose head, Maj. Gen. William J. (Wild Bill) Donovan, later said: 'Bill Stephenson taught us all we ever knew about foreign intelligence.'" [the U.S. Office of Strategic Services was the predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency(C.I.A.)]. (6) other claims : (a) born in 1896 in Winnipeg & attended Argyle High School in Winnipeg (b) in his youth, informed police that he had seen murderer John Krafchenko which resulted in the latter's arrest by police (c) in 1916, he volunteered for the 101st Battalion (Winnipeg Light Infantry), and was gassed in the trenches (d) in 1918, he was the amateur lightweight world champion in boxing (e) became a WW I fighter ace with 20+ downed enemy aircraft to his credit (f) escaped from a German prisoner-of-war camp during WW I (g) earned Britain's Distinguished Flying Cross and the Military Cross [WW I] (h) became a millionaire in the communications industry before the age of 30 (i) substantially improved the technology for sending photographs through radio signals (j) set up Camp X, a spy school near Whitby, Ont., that listed among its graduates Ian Fleming, Kim Philby, & some future directors of the CIA (k) hand-picked by Winston Churchill to lead the British intelligence effort in the United States (l) the Americans presented to him the Presidential Medal for Merit, then the United States' highest civilian award. -- The medal's citation, signed by Truman, said Stephenson "gave timely and invaluable aid to the American war effort." (m) J. Edgar Hoover, director of the F.B.I., wrote," I am quite certain that your contribution will be among the foremost in having brought victory ..." (n) Robert Sherwood, the American playwright and biographer, bestowed on Stephenson the title of ". . . a quiet Canadian." (o) played the role of Devereux in the TV biography of James Bond entitled Goldeneye (p) subject of the book & TV series, The Man called Intrepid (q) subject of the documentary The True Intrepid (r) subject of the book The Quiet Canadian, a.k.a. Room 3603, that contains a foreword written by Ian Fleming

  Posted by: Paul Armstrong | 2008-06-06 08:50:02

• Inventor (wire photo machine), businessman and master spy in Second World War was in charge of British Security Coordination. Born in Winnipeg 1896. See his website for more info.

  Posted by: Gerald Cairns | 2008-06-06 08:53:33

• I nominate Sir William Samuel Stephenson, born in Winnipeg, 1896. He was an inventor (wire photo machine plus radio inventions), businessman and master spy in the Second World War (British Security Coordinator). He was called Intrepid. See his website for many more details. I believe he was world famous.

  Posted by: Gerry Cairns | 2008-06-06 15:28:22

• Helped create the OSS which was the Intelligence network for WWII, created Camp x and Camp Alpha (which is now Camp David) helped break the Enigma Code, and was the model for James Bond

  Posted by: Jason Smith | 2008-06-10 08:40:42

• Stephenson was an inventor, (wirephopto machine) also radio inventions,businessman and master spy in world was 2.He was called Intrepid.

  Posted by: Gerry Cairns | 2008-06-11 21:18:58

• Stephenson ought to win this thing hands down in terms of global impact. Somehow I doubt that leftist Winnipeg will let this happen though. Please prove me wrong! This man deserves recognition, especially among the younger generation!

  Posted by: M. King | 2008-06-14 12:46:49

• Arguably the most influential Canadian in history, definitely on the short list of top world personalities influencing the outcome of WWII. Please find Winnipeg author Bill Macdonald and his recent work 'The True Intrepid' via ISBN 1-555192-418-8 for authoritative detail on Stephenson.

  Posted by: Jason Farber | 2008-06-14 14:45:40

• Gentlemanly Sir William was yet a fighter all the way. Even in his last years, his mind was fertile and active. He continued intelligence operations and help to friends (notably the American, Dr. Ernest Cuneo, President Roosevelt's personal representative to Sir William)until the very end. What a man!

  Posted by: C. Hart | 2008-06-22 08:21:10

• This brave man is the winner.Nobody comes close.To have the 'Guess Who' and Fred Penner on the same list is ludicrous and obscene.

  Posted by: Al Carpenter | 2008-06-26 11:40:55

• Stephenson should win due to the huge impact he had in helping win the war.

  Posted by: Paul Bouvier | 2008-06-27 12:44:54

• When I nominated Sir William Stephenson as the Greatest Manitoban, I was thinking of exactly that. I did not consider greatest leader, athlete or sports figure, nor did I think of the most successful businessperson or talented author or entertainer or even greatest soldier or hero - although, Sir William did excel at some of these too. I considered Greatness as their impact to our world, not merely the province. A great impact on the world, made by a Manitoban, is what I consider worthy of Greatness. Arguably, his impact affected every corner of the world and millions of lives. Even today his influence on the western world is astounding. His legacy, which I consider quintessentially Canadian, was discreet and without glamour despite well deserved accolades and prestige. Sadly that is why today he is so unknown by his fellow Manitobans. With this in mind I don’t think anyone can imagine the world today without the great contribution of one Manitoban in particular – William Stephenson from Point Douglas, Winnipeg. I was pleased to read that SWS is ranked 15th overall. Regardless if you vote or not, I do encourage all Manitobans to learn more about the amazing life he led, his contributions and talents, and rediscover a provincial pride in that he is a truly Great Manitoban.

  Posted by: David J. Danyluk | 2008-07-01 09:32:16

• If Sir William Stephenson had been an American, there wouldn't a soul on the planet who didn't know what he accomplished. His name would be in every history book and blazenly pasted on every poster or billboard for every movie about James Bond. But the quiet man that he was, me thinks he kinda of prefers this quiet recognition that he does get. He did wish for more credit while he was alive but to be an American Hero was not in his character.

  Posted by: Nathan Larry | 2008-07-18 09:01:49

• The man called Intrepid...the real James Bond. A genuine hero who assumed anonymity in order to serve his country and the world. I'm very proud he is a Manitoban.

  Posted by: Werner Janzen | 2008-07-07 11:19:42

• WM.STEPHENSON FROM POINT DOUGLAS, WINNIPEG, MB. IS WITHOUT DOUBT ONE OF FEW MEN GIVEN SO MANY WORLD HONORS FOR HIS SERVICE IN BOTH WORLD WAR 1 AND 11 BY OUR ALLIED LEADERS SUCH AS CHURCHILL AND ROOSEVELT. HE WORKED AS A COVERT LEADER WITH ALLIES IN SILENCE BREAKING ENEMY SECURITY CODES TO BRING ABOUT DEFEAT OF THE NAZI REGIME UNDER HITLER AS WELL AS OTHER AXIS LEADERS AND SUCCESS CAME BY DECEPTION SUCH AS THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY. HE HAD MANY OTHER TALENTS IN SCIENCE AND BUSINESS ACUMEN AND NEVER RESTED ON HIS LAURELS JUST CARRIED ON HIS MODEST LIFE WITH PURPOSE BEYOND HIMSELF. TOO BAD HISTORY IS NO LONGER TAUGHT IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUT MISH MASH UNDER GENERIC "SOCIAL STUDIES". CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT WORLD HISTORY SO THEY DON'T REPEAT OR TOLERATE THE SAME MISTAKES OF TRUSTING TYRANTS. MILLIONS DIED IN WORLD WAR 1 AND 11 AND EVEN MORE UNDER THE YOKE OF COMMUNISM. CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT THAT FREEDOM IS NOT FREE AND HONOR THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND TALENTS LIKE SIR WM.STEPHENSON AS WELL AS OUR MILITARY ON LAND, SEA AND AIR. CHILDREN SHOULD ALSO BE TAUGHT THAT "PEACE" WITHOUT FREEDEOM IS THE PEACE OF THE GRAVE YESTERDAY AND STILL TODAY. SO HONOR THOSE WHO DEFEND US AND OUR COUNTRY TODAY AND ARE POSTED ALL OVER THIS STILL TROUBLED WORLD. THE ALTERNATIVE OF FREEDOM IS UNTHINKABLE TO US BUT MAY WE NEVER BE TESTED BY KEEPING OUR DEFENCES UP AND OUR BORDERS SECURE. sem.

  Posted by: aUNT sHIRLEY -N.E.'The PEG,MB. | 2008-07-07 13:20:10

• There is simply not another person from Manitoba who has had an impact on a global level with such significant contributions to history as Sr. William Stephenson. He is without a doubt the greatest Manitoban, if not Canadian and is a patriot that is second to none.

  Posted by: Dana Neal | 2008-07-08 15:40:05

• This courageous soul and brave patriot, protector to the Heart of Freedom.

  Posted by: Charles Kolb, LD - OSS | 2008-07-08 17:08:09

• This guy is James Bond. He gets my vote right there!

  Posted by: Miranda Healey | 2008-07-11 11:20:42

• If you can encourage others to vote for Sir William, plase do! Every day! Forward this link if your friends, family or colleagues for more information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Stephenson

  Posted by: David J.Danyluk | 2008-07-11 12:51:49

• After reading the previous comments re Sir William Stephenson three thoughts come to mind,1) many other nominated individuals might not even have had the opportunity to make their contributions if it hadn't have been for Stephenson and his WW1&2 participation 2)people need to be educated about Stephenson's contributions and how he had a major impact on saving the free world. Is he even mentioned in a school history book? 3)As a province, nation we need to take all the opportunities we can to celebrate the contributions of our "native son"

  Posted by: J.McDougall-Coutts | 2008-07-11 15:35:02

• The fact Winnipeg's Bill Stephenson isn't on the top of this list reveals more about the lack of education of Manitobans than anything to do with the life and career of William Stephenson. My next book will confirm this.

  Posted by: Bill Macdonald | 2008-07-11 23:27:25

• While there are many great Manitobans, that have done many great and wonderful things: McClung and Women's Rights; Douglas and Medicare; Riel and Metis Rights; there are none who had the impact that Sir William Stephenson has had on a global scale. As a history teacher, I have ntoiced too often we take for granted the work done behind the scenes to protect the very democracy that allows us to write comments as we have here. This man gave of himself, during a time when doing so could mean torture or death. It was his work that assisted in ending the one conflict that touched every life in the western world today, and provides the very blanket of freedom and democracy that we enjoy and take for granted. Men like him are few and far between and deserve to be recognized. Sir William gets my vote!!

  Posted by: G. Glanfield | 2008-07-12 11:06:25

• While there are many great Manitobans, that have done many great and wonderful things: McClung and Women's Rights; Douglas and Medicare; Riel and Metis Rights; there are none who had the impact that Sir William Stephenson has had on a global scale. As a history teacher, I have ntoiced too often we take for granted the work done behind the scenes to protect the very democracy that allows us to write comments as we have here. This man gave of himself, during a time when doing so could mean torture or death. It was his work that assisted in ending the one conflict that touched every life in the western world today, and provides the very blanket of freedom and democracy that we enjoy and take for granted. Having stood in Hellfire Corner, and seen where Churchill worked with Stephenson and others to bring WWII to an end, I will forever remember the sacrifices made willingly and with pride for the generations to come. Sir William Stephenson made a difference to the world. We should be proud that he is Manitoban and demonstrate our respect and admiration for the world to see. Men like him are few and far between and deserve to be recognized. Sir William gets my vote!!

  Posted by: G. Glanfield | 2008-07-12 11:12:52

• It is about time Manitoba recognizes one of it's own hero's properly. People who are knowlegable of WW2 history regard Sir William Stephenson as one of the most important "spymasters" for allied intelligence gathering. To this day it has not been completely revealed how he obtained his information , ...still top secret ... he was that good .

  Posted by: Arnie Madsen | 2008-07-19 21:31:48

• he is awsom

  Posted by: billy bob | 2008-07-27 10:21:55

• William Stephenson is not just the Greatest Manitoban, but the greatest Canadian, and quite possibly the second-greatest individual of the 20th Century. WWII may not have been won without his efforts. It is simply impossible to overestimate the impact this man has had on the world.

  Posted by: Raging Ranter | 2008-07-28 04:39:29

• I would like to hear any living nominee ranked higher than Sir William explain if they would consider themselves Greater than Sir William.

  Posted by: David J. Danyluk | 2008-08-18 13:43:23

• Certainly, Sir William Stephenson played a pivotal role in the successful outcome of WWII and deserves this recognition more than any other Canadian. camp-x.com

  Posted by: Lynn Philip Hodgson | 2008-11-17 10:05:59

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