Super Spy Lionel Crabb OBE Lionel Crabb OBE was said to be one of the inspirations for James Bond and it was the “Crabb Affair” that inspired Thunderball, the novel by Ian Fleming and the subsequent Bond Movie (two if you include Never Say Never Again). In 1956 — during the height of the Suez Crisis (an embarrassing affair in British and French politics where they ultimately conceded to a militarised Egypt); Lionel Crabb was sent to spy on a Soviet Cruiser and was never seen ever again… Crabb — born to a poor family in West London in 1909 — joined the Merchant Navy and during World War II joined the Army. With skills recognised by his superiors “Buster” (as he came to be known) was promoted to lieutenant commander and eventually placed in charge of all anti-mining operations around the coast of Italy. For his services during the war Buster later became known as Lionel Crabb OBE (an award for services to the empire). The Name is Bond… BACKGROUND In what seemed to be an olive branc...