Cecil Aylmer Cameron facts for kids

Major Cecil Aylmer Cameron CBE DSO (17 September 1883 – 19 August 1924) was a British Army officer and a spymaster. He was also involved in a notable legal case in 1911.

Cameron was the son of Colonel Aylmer Spicer Cameron VC. He went to school at Eastman's Royal Naval Academy and Bath College. He also studied at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. In 1901, he joined the Royal Field Artillery as an officer. On June 3, 1909, he married Ruby Mary Shawe in St George's, Hanover Square. Ruby was born in Ireland in 1884.

A Difficult Time and a Pardon

In 1911, Cecil Cameron and his wife faced a difficult legal situation in Edinburgh. They were accused of trying to get money from Lloyd's insurance company. This was about a pearl necklace belonging to Mrs. Cameron. It was believed the necklace had been stolen, but it had not.

Cameron was sentenced to three years in prison. He chose not to speak in his own defense. He served his full sentence. After he was released, many important people asked for him to be pardoned. These included five dukes, twenty privy councillors, and 126 generals.

While she was in prison, his wife confessed. She said that she was the only one at fault. She explained that Cameron had only been trying to protect her. Because of this, he received a full pardon. He was also given back his rank of Lieutenant.

Military Service and Spy Work

Cameron served as a staff officer in France during the First World War. He was recognized for his bravery four times. He also received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

The La Dame Blanche Spy Ring

During the war, Cameron worked as a spymaster. His secret codename was EVELYN. He managed a very important spy ring called La Dame Blanche. This group worked in German-occupied France and Belgium. Cameron directed them from different places. These included Folkestone in England, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Montreuil in France.

Post-War Assignments

In 1918, Cameron moved to the War Office in London. He spoke Russian very well. Because of this, he was soon made the Chief Intelligence Officer. This was for the British Military Mission in Siberia. This mission took place during the Russian Civil War. For his service there, he was given the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in January 1920.

In 1920, he returned to the War Office. He worked as a General Staff Officer. He also served during the Irish War of Independence.

Later Life

Cecil Cameron passed away in 1924. He was 40 years old. He died at Hillsborough Barracks in Sheffield.