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Upwood & The Raveleys History Pages

Corporal Josef Jakobs
World War II German Spy
The last person to be executed in the Tower of London

On January 31, 1941, Corporal Josef Jakobs parachuted into Ramsey. The local Home Guard spotted him landing and he was easily apprehended near Dovehouse Farm, Ramsey Hollow. He was found to have a broken ankle sustained on landing and was taken to Ramsey Police Station where he was held before being transferred to the Tower of London.

He was carrying British currency, forged papers, a radio and a German sausage!

He was court marshalled for treachery and as a result was put to death by firing squad. Because of his injury sustained on landing he was allowed to sit in a chair for his execution. This chair is now on view to the public in the Tower.

Jakobs was the last person to be executed in the Tower of London.

josef jakobs
Josef Jakobs

Further Information
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Jakob's Trial Details
"Shot in the Tower" by Leonard Sellers published by Leo Cooper London ISBN 0 085052 553.5