William Samuel Stephenson, better known as Intrepid, was born on January 23, 1897, in Point Douglas, Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was born as William Samuel Clouston Stanger but was adopted early by an Icelandic family and given the name Stephenson. His mother was Icelandic, and his father was Scottish from the Orkney Islands. Stephenson left school at a young age and began working as a telegrapher. He showed an interest in military service and volunteered for World War I.
During the war, Stephenson became a flying ace, but he was shot down and taken as a prisoner of war. After the war, he returned to Manitoba and cofounded a hardware business. Although the business failed, Stephenson decided to move to England, where he quickly built up a network of powerful contacts and became wealthy.
By 1936, Stephenson was providing confidential information to British MP Winston Churchill about the growing threat of Adolf Hitler's Nazi government. His insight into Hitler's military buildup and hidden expenditures proved invaluable to the British government. Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, later stated that Stephenson was a true spy and the inspiration for the character.
Stephenson's role as head of the British Security Coordination during World War II was crucial. He served as the senior representative for the western allies and worked closely with both Churchill and American President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Stephenson facilitated the exchange of intelligence between the British and Americans, ensuring that both countries had the information they needed to combat the Axis powers effectively.
In 1924, Stephenson married Mary French Simmons, an American tobacco heiress from Springfield, Tennessee. The couple had a successful marriage, and Mary provided support and encouragement to Stephenson throughout his career. Stephenson's personal life remained relatively private, as he focused on his work in intelligence and business.
After World War II, Stephenson continued to be involved in intelligence work and business. He received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the war effort, including a knighthood from King George VI. In 1979, his life was portrayed in the miniseries "A Man Called Intrepid," based on the bestseller by William Stevenson.
William Samuel Stephenson, also known as Intrepid, remains a legendary figure in the world of intelligence and espionage. His dedication to his country and his remarkable skills as a spymaster have cemented his place in history as one of the greatest secret agents of all time. Stephenson passed away on January 31, 1989, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of intelligence professionals.