Whilst researching the wreckage of a First World War Sopwith Camel bi-plane discovered on the mountain above Prinos, information has come to light regarding the identity of a possible British spy on Thassos during the First World War!

His name was William Riddle, locally known at the time as “Billy Riddle” and described in contemporary press reports as being employed as a ‘Dragoman’, an old English name for a guide and interpreter. There are no records of where he lived, but from information in press reports at the time, it seems likely he resided in Limenas (Thassos Town).

His first exploits to be recorded were in March of 1916, at the height of the First World War, when a German biplane crash-landed in the sea near to the small island of Thassopoula, which lies between Thassos and the Greek mainland. The reports confirm that Billy commandeered a local boat, with the objective of capturing the plane and its crew. However, he was pursued by the Thassos Harbour Master, who, intent on stopping Billy by any means, opened fire on him.

Although the British Navy controlled the Aegean, it is amazing that out of nowhere a British warship appeared on the scene, taking Billy on board, capturing the German war plane and its crew and finally arresting the Thassos Harbour Master! The Harbour Master was later handed over to the Greek authorities, but no records can be found of any charges, or disciplinary action taken. Billy though returned to Thassos.

The next report of Billy is in late April of the same year when he was arrested by the authorities on the island for supposedly insulting King Constantine of Greece. The king was the brother-in-law of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Emperor of Germany and was known to be sympathetic to Germany in the First World War. Now in custody, Billy was placed on a boat with the intent of taking him from Thassos to the mainland city of Kavala to answer the charges. However, once again, a British warship appears on the scene and intercepts the boat, releasing Billy and taking him on board and to safety. This is the last we hear of Billy Riddle.

I find it hard to believe that a simple guide and interpreter would warrant the action of the British Navy to save him. Furthermore, how did the navy receive information of his plight and turn up in the ‘nick of time’, not once, but twice? Did he, or an accomplice, have the use of a clandestine Morse code set?

Greece at this time was politically very volatile, with the pro-British elected government at loggerheads with King Constantine and therefore it is highly likely that the British would place an agent on the strategically important island of Thassos to monitor the situation.

However, it is unlikely we will ever know, as no further contemporary records can be found on the island, or in the British Embassy in Athens. In fact, during the First World War, Britain only had a legation in the Greek capital.

So, it is left to conjecture as to whether Billy was a British agent sent to Greece to spy. It is amusing though to imagine the scene as his ‘controllers’ discussed a suitable pseudonym for their agent, finally selecting ‘Riddle’ as the perfect name for a spy!

One day though, official papers may be found that will finally explain this intriguing story!

The story was covered by the Australian press as their troops had been heavily involved in the fight against Turkey, an ally of Germany.