The daring, gadget-loving, mischievous founder of MI6. Mansfield Cumming, the first C, was a former navy man brought out of retirement to keep tabs on German spies around the outbreak of the First World War. Over the following decade he established MI6 and set it on course to be a central part of the British security apparatus. Known to test the mettle of potential employees by taking a knife out and stabbing his own wooden leg; Mansfield was an eccentric man who's personality has come to shape the institution which he founded.

In this Christmas special, listen as David and Gordon discuss the founding of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service.

Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.nordvpn.com/restisclassified

It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @triclassified

Assistant Producer: Becki Hills

Producer: Callum Hill

Senior Producer: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Tony Pastor

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices