Thousands of Jewish families avoided deportation to concentration camps through the clandestine administrative efforts of a British passport control officer stationed in Berlin. Operating without diplomatic immunity, Frank Foley utilized his position within the Secret Intelligence Service to secure visas and provide shelter, effectively bypassing restrictive state policies during the pre-war rise of Nazi influence in Germany.
Early Education and Military Service
Born in Highbridge in 1884, Foley attended Stonyhurst College in Lancashire. He initially pursued religious studies in a French seminary but shifted his focus toward classical education at the Université de France in Poitiers. His proficiency in French and German facilitated a military career that began with his commission into the Hertfordshire Regiment on 25 January 1917. Following his World War I service, where he was mentioned in despatches, he joined the Intelligence Corps and transitioned into a role with the Secret Intelligence Service.
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Foley arrived in Berlin to serve as a passport control officer, a role that functioned as cover for his activities as head of the MI6 station. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he gathered intelligence on German military development. He eventually collaborated with Wilfrid Israel and Hubert Pollack to establish an unofficial rescue network. By leveraging his authority to issue visas, Foley enabled those targeted by the Gestapo to escape the country, often moving individuals out of internment camps and providing them with necessary documentation.
Wartime Assignments and Intelligence
Following the German invasion of Norway in 1940, Foley acted as a representative for British interests while working alongside Norwegian commander Otto Ruge. After his evacuation by the Royal Navy in May 1940, his career transitioned to domestic intelligence tasks, including the interrogation of Rudolf Hess in 1941. He was later instrumental in coordinating the Double Cross System, a network of double agents used to manage intelligence operations against Nazi Germany.
Post-War Career and Legacy
After the conclusion of hostilities, Foley returned to Germany to work with the Control Commission for the identification of war criminals. He retired to Stourbridge in 1949 and died there in 1958. His actions were brought to wider public attention in 1961 through reports in the Daily Mail. Posthumous recognition followed, including the status of Righteous Among the Nations in 1999 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2024.
Fast facts
- Born: 1884, Highbridge
- Died: 1958, Stourbridge
- Military Rank: Major
- Education: Stonyhurst College
- Award: Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George
- Award: Righteous Among the Nations (1999)
- Award: Congressional Gold Medal (2024)
- Employer: Secret Intelligence Service
Questions readers ask
What was Frank Foley's primary role in Berlin?
He served as the head of the British Secret Intelligence Service station in Berlin, using the title of passport control officer as his official cover.
How did he save Jewish lives?
He issued visas to those targeted by the Gestapo, retrieved individuals from internment camps, and provided forged documents to facilitate their escape from Germany.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 1999
- Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George
- Worked as intelligence officer, diplomat and military officer
- Educated at Stonyhurst College
