MI6’s Atomic Man: The Rise and Fall of Commander Eric Welsh

Abstract

This article recounts the life and career of Eric Welsh. A remarkable figure within MI6, Welsh started life as a scientist for a maritime paint company in Norway, but with war in 1939 his contacts and knowledge of the region brought him into direct contact with British intelligence. He rapidly became head of the Norwegian Section of MI6 and through the attacks on the heavy water plant in Vemork assumed responsibility for wartime and post-war atomic intelligence. His personality and dedication saw him rise to the pinnacle, but the flaws associated with these traits also led to his downfall and untimely death.