The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: Cast & Real Members

During World War II, a shadowy division of the British military, Special Operations Executive, famously executed missions that were as daring as they were covert. Nicknamed “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”, it became a cornerstone of the Allied effort against the Axis powers. Little did its real members know that their outings would become an inspiration for a spy action comedy film made in 2024, made by none other than Guy Ritchie.

 

In this article, we will explore the history of SOE, looking at its origins, key figures, and the real-life operations that inspired Guy Ritchie’s latest cinematic venture. We’ll also break down the cast of the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and the characters they play, juxtaposing their Hollywood depictions with the real heroes and heroines who served in the SOE.

Understanding the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

While Guy Ritchie’s comedy is a work of fiction, it is still inspired by a real military division specifically created for covert, tactical operations – Special Operations Executive. Now let’s have a deeper look into its origins:

Origins of the Special Operations Executive (SOE)

The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was formed during World War II as a result of the United Kingdom’s dire need for unconventional warfare tactics against the Axis powers. Conceived in June 1940 following the evacuation of Dunkirk, the SOE was the brainchild of Winston Churchill, who envisioned a “hunter class” of troops that would strike fear into the hearts of German forces. 

Winston Churchill’s Role in its Creation

Winston Churchill, known for unconventional thinking, recognized the need for a new approach to warfare when traditional methods weren’t yielding the best results. His directive was clear: these operatives were to “set Europe ablaze” through sabotage, espionage, and guerrilla warfare.

He believed that even a small but highly trained unit could achieve a very significant impact through clever actions. And so it came to pass – under Churchill’s leadership, the SOE would go on to conduct numerous successful operations, becoming a vital component of the Allied war effort.

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Cast Members and Their Roles

Now let’s take a closer look at the talented actors that brought to life the daring members of the SOE:

Henry Cavill as Gus March-Phillipps

 

Henry Cavill, known for his portrayals of Superman and Geralt, steps into the role of Gus March-Phillipps, the cocky ex-criminal turned elite commando. March-Phillipps is the film’s charismatic leader, whose spirit and tactical brilliance make him the perfect fit for Churchill’s operations. Cavill also brings his trademark charm and physicality to the role of a man who walks the fine line between rogue and hero.

Eiza Gonzalez as Margot Steele

 

Eiza Gonzalez (“Baby Driver”, “Alita: Battle Angel”) takes on the character of Margot Steele, a daring and resourceful SOE operative. Steele is the team’s undercover agent, using her intelligence and allure to gather crucial information and manipulate enemy officers. 

Alan Ritchson as Anders Lassen

 

Alan Ritchson (“Reacher”, “Titans”) portrays Anders Lassen, a Danish naval officer, and formidable warrior. Lassen is depicted as a near-superhuman force on the battlefield, wielding a bow and arrow with deadly precision. Ritchson’s imposing presence and action-star credentials make him a standout as the team’s muscle and heart.

Henry Golding as Freddy Alvarez

 

Henry Golding (“Crazy Rich Asians”, “The Gentlemen”) plays Freddy Alvarez, the explosives expert of the group. Alvarez’s skills with demolition and his calm under pressure make him another crucial member of the team.

Alex Pettyfer as Geoffrey Appleyard

 

Alex Pettyfer (“Magic Mike”, “I Am Number Four”) stars as Geoffrey Appleyard, the second-in-command. Appleyard, who endures brutal torture at the hands of the Nazis, is rescued by his fellow operatives in one of the film’s most thrilling sequences. 

Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Roger Courtney

 

Hero Fiennes Tiffin (“After”), takes on the part of Roger Courtney, a young but skilled member of the team. Courtney’s character brings a fresh and eager dynamic to the seasoned group of operatives. 

Babs Olusanmokun as Theo Ionides

 

Babs Olusanmokun (“Dune”, “Black Mirror”) plays Theo Ionides, a well-connected black marketeer. Ionides’ extensive network and resourcefulness make him an invaluable asset – he is a character whose street smarts and survival instincts prove crucial.

Til Schweiger as Rolf

 

Til Schweiger (“Knocking on Heaven’s Door”) portrays Rolf, a cunning and sadistic Nazi officer. Schweiger’s performance as the antagonist is chilling and menacing, providing a formidable foe for the SOE operatives. 

Cary Elwes as Major Goff

 

Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride”, “Saw”) plays Major Goff, the officer who oversees the SOE missions. Goff, affectionately referred to as “M,” is the strategic mastermind behind the operations.

The Real Members of the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

While the film characters are a charismatic bunch, we simply cannot ignore the stories of the real Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare members that are just as fascinating. The first three are real-life counterparts of Cavill’s, Pettyfer’s and Ritchson’s characters, while the last three were not chosen to be shown on the big screen:

Gus March-Phillipps

 

 

Major Gustavus Henry “Gus” March-Phillipps (1908-1942) was the founder of the No. 62 Commando unit, also known as the Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF), a specialized group formed to conduct daring raids against Axis forces. He was instrumental in the planning and execution of Operation Postmaster, a mission that involved the seizure of Axis ships from a neutral Spanish-controlled harbor on the island of Fernando Po in 1942. 

 

The operation was a success, carried out with minimal resistance and no casualties, despite the risks involved. However, tragically, March-Phillipps was killed in action later in 1942 during a raid in France.

Geoffrey Appleyard

 

Captain Geoffrey “Geoff” Appleyard (1916-1943) joined the British Army and served in the Royal Engineers before being recruited into the SOE. He became second-in-command to Gus March-Phillipps in the SSRF and was heavily involved in planning and executing various raids. Particularly, he was also crucial during Operation Postmaster, where his engineering expertise helped the mission’s success – covertly seizing and sailing away with Axis ships.

Still, Appleyard’s life was tragically cut short in 1943 when he disappeared during an operation over the Mediterranean. His aircraft was lost at sea, and his body was never recovered, leading to his being listed as missing in action. 

Anders Lassen

 

Anders Frederik Emil Victor Schau Lassen (1920-1945) was one of the most decorated and respected soldiers in the SOE. One of his most famous exploits was during a raid on the Italian island of Simi, where he single-handedly held off a much larger enemy force, allowing his comrades to safely retreat. 

He participated in numerous other high-risk operations, particularly in the Mediterranean theater, for which he was awarded the Military Cross three times. His most significant award, however, would come posthumously –  he was awarded the Victoria Cross after leading a successful but fatal raid on the German-held positions at Lake Comacchio in Italy in April 1945.

Major General Sir Colin Gubbins

 

Major General Sir Colin Gubbins (1896-1976) was a pivotal figure in the creation and operations of the SOE. A decorated soldier, he was appointed as the head of the SOE’s Middle East section in 1940. 

While the film “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” dramatizes his role, Gubbins was indeed involved in planning and overseeing covert operations, including those targeting Nazi supply lines. Gubbins’ work significantly influenced modern special operations – his approach laid the groundwork for future elite military and intelligence units.

Charles Fraser-Smith

 

Charles Fraser-Smith (1903-1992) was an enigmatic and influential figure within the SOE, known for his contributions to the development of innovative equipment used in espionage and sabotage missions. His work included creating concealed weapons, disguised tools, and other specialized gear used by agents in the field. 

 

Fraser-Smith’s work was highly regarded by his peers, though much of his contributions remained classified for many years.

Virginia Hall

 

Virginia Hall (1906-1982) was an American spy who served with the SOE and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. Known for her courage and resourcefulness, Hall became one of the most effective and celebrated spies of World War II.

 

Hall was recruited by the SOE in 1941 and operated under the codename “Germaine.” She conducted intelligence-gathering and sabotage operations in France, where she worked closely with the French Resistance. 

The SOE’s Impact on World War II

The SOE’s primary mission was to disrupt enemy operations and infrastructure. Their sabotage efforts targeted key German assets, such as factories, transportation networks, and supply lines. Operations like the destruction of railway lines, oil refineries, and munitions depots hindered Nazi war production and logistics, significantly impacting Germany’s ability to sustain its military campaigns. On top of that, SOE provided training, supplies, and coordination to local resistance groups to aid them in sabotage and intelligence.

 

Not to be underestimated is the significant psychological impact on both the Allies and the Axis powers. Successful missions, such as the destruction of important targets or the rescue of captured personnel, bolstered Allied morale and demonstrated the effectiveness of unconventional warfare. The knowledge that the Allies were actively disrupting German operations helped maintain public confidence and support for the war effort.

Legacy of the “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”

Speculating on the legacy of a film that came out just this year is a daunting task, but there are some elements of it that are hard to deny. Above all else, Guy Ritchie’s “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” has revitalized interest in World War II’s covert operations. It brilliantly blended action, comedy, and historical fiction, making the story of the SOE accessible to a broad audience.

 

As for the real SOEs, their innovative tactics and training methods have been adopted and adapted by subsequent generations of special forces. Covert infiltration, sabotage, and intelligence gathering continue to be integral to modern military operations. 

 

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