Charles Henry Maxwell Knight OBE, known as Maxwell Knight, (b. South
Norwood, 9 July 1900 â€" 27 January 1968) was a British spymaster,
naturalist and broadcaster, reputedly a model for the James Bond
character "M". He played major roles in surveillance of an early
British Fascist party as well as the main Communist Party.Knight was
the son of Hugh Coleraine Knight, a solicitor, and his wife, Ada
Phyllis (née Hancock). He was christened in Holy Innocents Church,
South Norwood on 3 August 1900.He saw service during the First World
War. Having been a naval cadet, he was appointed to the temporary rank
of Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 May 1918.In July 1918 he
attended a hydrophone officers' course, and in August served for a
short time as First Class Hydrophone Officer aboard the trawler,
Ninus. On 1 September 1918 he was appointed to the armed merchant
cruiser, HMS Andes. In December 1918 Captain C.T.H. Cooper of the
Andes described him as "a promising young officer." He was demobilised
in February 1919.
Norwood, 9 July 1900 â€" 27 January 1968) was a British spymaster,
naturalist and broadcaster, reputedly a model for the James Bond
character "M". He played major roles in surveillance of an early
British Fascist party as well as the main Communist Party.Knight was
the son of Hugh Coleraine Knight, a solicitor, and his wife, Ada
Phyllis (née Hancock). He was christened in Holy Innocents Church,
South Norwood on 3 August 1900.He saw service during the First World
War. Having been a naval cadet, he was appointed to the temporary rank
of Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve on 2 May 1918.In July 1918 he
attended a hydrophone officers' course, and in August served for a
short time as First Class Hydrophone Officer aboard the trawler,
Ninus. On 1 September 1918 he was appointed to the armed merchant
cruiser, HMS Andes. In December 1918 Captain C.T.H. Cooper of the
Andes described him as "a promising young officer." He was demobilised
in February 1919.
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