ROME -- Richard Mallarby, an English Special Operation Executive secret agent during the Second World War, was only 25 when he undertook a secret mission parachuting over Lake Como and found himself captured, interrogated and imprisoned by Italian Fascists and the Nazis.

 In a story said to be reminiscent of the adventures of James Bond, the English agent managed to cheat death twice and has since been awarded posthumously the prestigious Italian Gold medal (Medaglia d'Oro) for bravery due to his courageous efforts.

 The James Bond films, although treasured by many, often seem rather outlandish and inconceivable. However, the tale of this English hero, recently discovered and published by Italian author Gianluca Barneschi, proves that such gadgets and gismos really did exist -- the agent kept film reels concealed in batteries and pills, hidden knives, miniscule secret codes mixed into toothpaste and even waterproof clothing worn under normal everyday attire, just like the tuxedo Sean Connery donned when emerging from the water in ‘Goldfinger.’

 Mallarby’s mission was to come into contact with a partisan group in Italy to coordinate activity with the British forces. Yet alas, things did not quite go according to plan.

 The raid resulted in his capture by the Fascists, as the agent was interrogated and even at risk of execution. Using his charm to his advantage, aided by his excellent knowledge of the Italian language -- Mallarby lived with his family in Siena for most of his life -- the real life 007 agent cleverly made friends with a few members of the enemy.

 The fearless Englishman then managed to convince his jailors that, considering they had already virtually lost the war, it would be beneficial for them to transfer him to Rome where more work could be done.

 In a small amount of time Mallarby gained the trust of Badoglio, Italian General and Prime Minister, and began to work towards armistice negotiations with the Anglo-American forces. So much so that when Badoglio and Vittorio Emanuele III escaped to Pescara and then to Brindisi, he was there to accompany them.

 Following a short stint in London, where he returned for a while to act as if nothing had happened, Mallarby returned to Italy and was once again captured, this time by the Germans. For a second time he was facing execution. Yet, also for a second time, he managed to dodge the bullet by forming a relationship with Karl Wolff, high ranking memeber of the Nazi SS, acting as a valuable connection for the Allied forces.

 Mallarby died in 1981 in Verona, aged 62. He is buried in a family property in Villa Poggio Pinci.

 His incredible story has since been discovered and published in a book by Gianluca Barneschi, awakening the interest of the English Press in London who are fascinated by the plight of their very own war hero.

 The SOE agent received the Military Cross on Sept. 9 1943. Recently, Mallarby was posthumously awared an Italian Gold medal, passed down to his three children, as a testament to the courage and heroism demonstrated during his Italian mission.

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