Ticketed

Essential Information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and Times Wednesday 18 September 2024 | 6.30pm-7.30pm
Prices Free | Members only

Member exclusive. Not a member? Join now

Join Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE for a captivating discussion about his new biography, A Suspicion of Spies, the first in-depth look at the life of Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale. This gripping account uncovers the story of a ruthless and effective spymaster whose extraordinary career spanned the Russian Revolution to the Cold War.

Dunderdale, a close friend of Ian Fleming and the inspiration for James Bond, lived a life filled with adventure, bravery, and intrigue. From sinking German ships as a teenager in Russia to his 40-year career in British intelligence, Biffy’s exploits are the stuff of legend. Tim Spicer delves into these thrilling tales, offering a glimpse into the real world of espionage.

About the speaker

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE has led a life filled with action and adventure. During his twenty years in the British Army, he saw active service in Northern Ireland, the Falklands campaign, the Gulf War and the Balkans, as well as serving in the Far East, Cyprus and Germany. Key appointments have included Chief of Staff of an Armoured Brigade, Staff Officer at the Directorate of Special Forces and Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, among many others.


Over the course of his illustrious military career, Spicer has developed extensive knowledge of intelligence, counterterrorism, complex relations and protective security. In 2001 he founded the private security company Aegis, which has counted the UK, US and Italian governments among its clients. He is the author of An Unorthodox Soldier: Peace and War and the Sandline Affair (2000), a fast-moving account of his military life, including the events surrounding his time in Papua New Guinea when he was captured and held at gunpoint, as well as the notorious ‘Sandline Affair’ of 1996, and A Dangerous Enterprise (2021) that charts the history of the little-known, yet remarkable 15th Motor Gunboat Flotilla, commanded directly by the Secret Intelligence Service.
 

Not already a Member?

Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.

With Membership starting from as little as £50 what are you waiting for? Membership is your time to explore!

What’s On

See more Member events at Royal Museums Greenwich.

New Members' Tour
Talks and tours | Member events

New Members' Tour

Embark on a voyage of discovery around the Museum in the company of one of our volunteer guides
Various dates | 11am - 12pm
Free for Members | Booking essential
In Greenwich
James Webb Space Telescope: three years on
Talks and tours | Member events

James Webb Space Telescope: three years on

Join us for an online Members lecture to learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope three years after its launch with a Royal Observatory astronomer
Thursday 30 January 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online
Members' crafting
Family fun | Member events

Members' crafting

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members.
Every other month | 11am-11.45am, 12.15pm-1pm, 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2.45pm-3.30pm
Free for Family Members – booking required
In Greenwich
Ends of the Earth
Talks and tours | Member events

Ends of the Earth

Hear from author Neil Shubin about the polar regions and how they may shape life on Earth far more than we realise.
Thursday 13 February 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Online
Titanic Legacy: The Captain, The Daughter and The Spy
Talks and tours | Member events

Titanic Legacy: The Captain, The Daughter and The Spy

Join author Dan E. Parkes as he discusses the untold story of Titanic Captain E.J. Smith and his only daughter Mel.
Wednesday 26 February 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free for Members
Queen's House