Buster Crabb - Ian Fleming's favourite spy and the inspiration for James Bond.

Buster Crabb was author Ian Fleming's favourite spy and the real inspiration for his fictional character JAMES BOND.

LIONEL 'BUSTER' CRABB was a drinker, a gambler, a womaniser and a lover of fast cars and gadgets. On top of all that, he was a spy, an acquaintance of Ian Fleming and the inspiration for James Bond.

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This latest book, BUSTER CRABB, published by the History Press, this is the fascinating story of Buster Crabb, the naval spy who disappeared in bizarre circumstances in 1956. Entitled - Buster Crabb - Ian Fleming's favourite spy and the inspiration for James Bond, was released in Spring 2020 - originally to coincide with the launch of the new Bond film - which was later delayed due to the Covid-19 restrictions. A British naval frogman and bomb disposal expert, Crabb worked directly under Fleming during the Second World War at Naval Intelligence and went on to conduct covert operations for both SIS and MI5. Elements from Crabb's dangerous missions and eccentric lifestyle were later incorporated into Fleming's novels. His inventions sparked the role of Q; Miss Moneypenny was based on Crabb's aunt, Kitty Jarvis; and his underwater battle with enemy divers became a crucial scene in Thunderball.  During a secret drive beneath a Russian warship in 1957, Crabb disappeared without a trace. One year later, a decapitated and handless body was found, sparking a major row between the government, the secret services and the Admiralty that still smoulders today.

About the Author Don Hale is an author and a former investigative journalist who has written many books about a host of varied subjects. A former professional footballer, Don was also a journalist for over 40 years and was the editor of about five regional newspapers. He won a number of regional and national awards during his career including the 'Journalist of the Year' prize on three separate occasions including the prestigious 'What the Papers Say' award. In 2001 he was also the Observer 'Man of the Year,' as voted for by the Sunday newspaper's readers. 

This is the link to the Buster Crabb book: https://amzn.to/3WWGQxV

His latest book - MURDER IN THE GRAVEYARD - is a true account of his extensive campaign to overturn the conviction of Stephen Downing, a man jailed in 1973 for a murder he did not commit. Don spent 8 years on the case and helped to quash the conviction. He has since worked on three other successful miscarriage of justice cases, and has been involved in several human rights campaigns.

This is the link to the Murder in the Graveyard book: https://amzn.to/3WXYPnL

Another popular book - about to be released with many updates and new photographs is his best seller MALLARD, how the blue streak broke the world steam record.  This book was also used as the authority for the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic for Trains, fast, faster etc. 

  

This is the link to the Mallard book: https://amzn.to/3WWHxr1

Another top selling genre has been his pop and rock books, The Joe Cocker Story; Sounds of the Sixties, and Club 60 & the Esquire, and latterly his wonderful book, plus this exciting new true story - SHERLOCK HOLMES and the Ghost Ship Mystery - which is an inquiry into the controversial role of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

This is the link to Sherlock Holmes book: https://amzn.to/3WYwy0j Copyright @ donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025

*Order your books now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0078XH9LK/?ref=exp_perryscope21_dp_vv_d