P. A. Wilson

Alexander Joseph Patrick Wilson (1893–1963), also known by several pseudonyms, led a complex life as an English writer, an officer in British intelligence, and a serial polygamist. Born in Dover, his early life included extensive travel with his military father, leading to education in Hong Kong and England. Wilson served in World War I, sustaining injuries that led to his discharge. He later married his first wife, Gladys Ellen Kellaway, before embarking on a career in British India. There, he secured a professorship at Islamia College, Lahore, a position he may have used as a cover for intelligence work, according to biographer Tim Crook. During this period, he also began writing spy novels, often featuring an intelligence chief named Sir Leonard Wallace, a character possibly based on MI6's first chief. Wilson married his second wife, Dorothy Phyllis Wick, while still married to Gladys. His writing career flourished, producing numerous spy thrillers and crime novels under various names. His activities, particularly his multiple marriages and deceptions, were later revealed after his death, influencing a BBC miniseries starring his granddaughter, Ruth Wilson.

Born in Dover in 1893, Alexander Joseph Patrick Wilson was the eldest son of Alexander Wilson, a career soldier who rose to Lieutenant Colonel, and Annie Marie O'Toole. His family's postings took young Alec to various locations, including Mauritius, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Ceylon. He received his education at St. Joseph's College in Hong Kong and St Boniface's Catholic College in Plymouth. Upon the outbreak of World War I, Wilson enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service in 1914, later being commissioned into the Royal Army Service Corps. He sustained significant injuries during the war, leading to his invaliding out in 1917 and receiving the Silver War Badge. He attempted to reenlist but was unsuccessful due to his medical condition.

Wilson's writing career began while he was in Lahore, leading to his first spy novel contract in 1927. His novels, often featuring the intelligence chief Sir Leonard Wallace, depicted struggles against terrorism, Soviet influence, organized crime, and Nazi Germany. The character of Wallace bore resemblances to Mansfield Smith-Cumming, the first head of MI6, though direct evidence of Wilson's MI6 affiliation at the time is lacking. He also penned crime thrillers and published under pseudonyms such as Geoffrey Spencer, Gregory Wilson, and Michael Chesney. His works were praised for being forceful and thrilling. Biographer Tim Crook suggests Wilson's academic position in Lahore may have served as a cover for British intelligence activities, potentially as a recruiter or informant, given the political climate and Yusuf Ali's possible intelligence connections.

Wilson's personal life was marked by serial polygamy. He married his first wife, Gladys Ellen Kellaway, in 1916. While serving in British India, he met actress Dorothy Phyllis Wick and married her in Lahore around 1928, despite still being married to Gladys. He left Gladys and their children to live with Dorothy in Lahore. Later, in 1933, Dorothy returned to England pregnant, and their son Michael Chesney was born. Wilson claimed a different father for his son on the birth certificate, and research did not confirm his military rank. After arriving in London in 1934, Wilson left Dorothy and Michael to return to Gladys. The extent of his deceptions was discovered by his family after his death, with classified documents potentially shedding further light on his activities remaining sensitive.