Were Ian Flemings bond books inspired by the Ashenden stories ?

Question

Bond seems a direct descendant of Ashenden, but i`ve never heard or read of a connection.

Answer 1

Many people agree that Ian Flemming based his James Bond character after the real life character of Sidney Riley.

Sidney was a spy for Britain around the turn of the 19th/20th century. He worked with Britain against the Russians - and was instrumental in many plots against the Bolsheviks who took over after killing the czar. Sidney also spied against the Germans during WWI - stealing secrets and such. He was very much the ladies man - marrying at least 3 times and having numerous affairs.

You can google Sidney Riley - there are a couple of good books about his life - one being "Ace of Spies"

Answer 2

There isn't. Ian Fleming worked for the OSS (the forerunner to the CIA) in World War II. He was active in determining ways to use under water demolitions -- thus James Bonds numerous sea borne adventures and island settings. In fact, one of the operations he devised during the war was code named "Goldeneye."

The tales Fleming crafted came from his own experience and imagination. He also wrote a few children's tales including "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.

Not too many people know this, but he served with Julia Child (yes THAT Julia Child) during the war.

Hope this helps. -- Andy