In the heart of a bustling city lies a seemingly ordinary bar. From the outside, it appears to be just like any other establishment, with its neon sign and entrance door. However, once you step inside, you are transported into a world of enchantment and wonder - the deceptive magical bar. The moment you cross the threshold, the atmosphere changes drastically. The once noisy, crowded streets are replaced by a serene, ethereal aura that engulfs the entire space. The dimly lit room is adorned with fantastical elements, such as floating candles, glowing orbs, and hidden nooks filled with mystical artifacts.
Operation Bertram was a component of Operation Lightfoot, Lieut-Col Bernard Montgomery’s turning-point offensive in the North Africa Campaign. Bertram was just one of many deception plans of the war, the most famous being Operation Fortitude – the Allied ruse that led Germany to believe the D-Day offensive would come at Pas de Calais instead of the beaches or Normandy.
According to Maskelyne s ghost-written memoir, Magic Top Secret , and David Fisher s The War Magician , Maskelyne was not only responsible for moving the Suez Canal and the entire city of Alexandria as part of the North Africa campaign, but was also the mastermind behind Operation Bertram. According to Maskelyne s ghost-written memoir, Magic Top Secret , and David Fisher s The War Magician , Maskelyne was not only responsible for moving the Suez Canal and the entire city of Alexandria as part of the North Africa campaign, but was also the mastermind behind Operation Bertram.
The dimly lit room is adorned with fantastical elements, such as floating candles, glowing orbs, and hidden nooks filled with mystical artifacts. At the center of the bar, a magnificent oak countertop stretches across the room, seemingly endless. The bar itself is not manned by ordinary bartenders, but rather skilled witches and warlocks, casting spells to conjure potions and mix drinks.
Magical Victory? Jasper Maskelyne and the Battle of El Alamein
Jasper Maskelyne, a third generation British magician, was in the business of illusion. However, what he called the greatest “illusion” of his career is a major point of controversy for historians of World War II and those in the magic trade.
According to Maskelyne’s ghost-written memoir, Magic: Top Secret, and David Fisher’s The War Magician, Maskelyne was not only responsible for “moving” the Suez Canal and the entire city of Alexandria as part of the North Africa campaign, but was also the mastermind behind Operation Bertram.
Operation Bertram was a component of Operation Lightfoot, Lieut-Col Bernard Montgomery’s turning-point offensive in the North Africa Campaign. Bertram was just one of many deception plans of the war, the most famous being Operation Fortitude – the Allied ruse that led Germany to believe the D-Day offensive would come at Pas de Calais instead of the beaches or Normandy.
The operation was made up of a series of fake ammunition dumps in sight of the Axis forces that were replaced with real ammunition and gas rations under the cover of nightfall, an incomplete dummy pipeline which implied that preparations for attack were not as far along as they actually were, an army of jeeps disguised as tanks sent in one direction and tanks disguised as transport vehicles sent in another and lastly, a series of fake buildings, soldiers, tanks and trucks in the south.
The facts of Operation Bertram are undisputed. However, the role of Jasper Maskelyne is another story. According to Maskelyne and Fisher’s accounts, Montgomery met with the magician personally with the directive to hide the forces in the north while creating the deception of a military build-up in the south. However, military historian and magician, Richard J. Stokes argued in a series of articles published in Geniis Magic Journal that a number of chronological inaccuracies and unconfirmed events in both books, the absence of any mention of Maskelyne in official records and Montgomery’s own accounts, along with a statement from Maskelyne’s own son, cast a great deal of doubt on his involvement.
After the war, Maskelyne faded into obscurity. Unable to resurrect his career in magic and greatly frustrated by the lack of any recognition for his war efforts, he later moved to Africa where he operated a driving school. He died in 1973.
So was Maskelyne the unsung hero of the North African Campaign? Did he pull off some of the greatest illusions of World War II or even of all time? Or was he simply a washed-up magician, looking for credit and another taste of fame? After all of these years Jasper Maskelyne still has us guessing. And that may actually be the magician’s greatest feat.
Magic: Top Secret is currently out of print but David Fisher’s The War Magician has been recently reissued and is rumored to be on its way to the big screen. To read Robert J. Stokes articles in entirety, visit www.maskelynemagic.com.
Below: Photos of the sunshield prototype used to disguise a tank as a transport vehicle from declassified document “WO 201/2841 Sunshields – tank camouflage: introduction and development”. Jasper Maskelyne had several similar photos in his wartime scrapbook. Courtesy of The National Archives, Kew and special thanks to Richard Stokes.
You really rocked the house down there. It was amazing seeing you work behind the bar. You were totally in your element.
Each beverage served is infused with a touch of magic, making them taste otherworldly and have extraordinary effects on those who consume them. As you settle into your seat, you notice that the patrons of this bar are an eclectic mix of individuals from all walks of life. Humans, mythical creatures, and even spirits come together to enjoy the whimsical atmosphere and extraordinary drinks. Conversations flow effortlessly, as people share stories of their encounters with supernatural beings or boast about the remarkable experiences they've had within the bar. If you explore further, you will find hidden chambers and secret doors, leading to different magical realms. Some take you to enchanted forests, where you can interact with creatures of myth and legend. Others lead to ancient libraries, filled with spellbooks and scrolls containing forgotten knowledge. The deceptive magical bar is like a portal to countless worlds, offering the chance to explore realms beyond imagination. While the bar's primary purpose is to serve drinks and provide a mystical ambiance, it also serves as a hub for practitioners of magic. Throughout the night, there are performances by illusionists, enchanters, and fire-breathers that captivate the audience with their magical abilities. It's a place where aspiring wizards can learn from masters of the craft and share their own magical creations. Though the deceptive magical bar exists in a realm beyond the grasp of ordinary humans, it welcomes those who possess a spirit of curiosity and an appreciation for the extraordinary. It's a sanctuary for people seeking respite from the mundane and a place to connect with the mystical forces that lie within each of us. So, the next time you find yourself in that bustling city, keep an eye out for the ordinary-looking bar. Step inside, embrace the enchantment, and let the deceptive magical bar transport you to a world where imagination knows no bounds..
Reviews for "The Mystical Brews and Illusions of a Deceptive Bar"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with my experience at the Deceptive Magical Bar. The concept seemed really intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The drinks were overpriced and underwhelming, lacking the magical flair that was promised. The atmosphere was also lackluster, with the so-called magical decor looking cheap and tacky. Overall, it felt more like a gimmicky tourist trap than an actual magical bar. I would not recommend wasting your time or money here.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars
I had high expectations for the Deceptive Magical Bar, but unfortunately, it was a major letdown. The service was incredibly slow, and the staff seemed disinterested and unenthusiastic. The drinks were nothing special and definitely not worth the prices they were charging. The so-called magical elements were practically non-existent, and the whole experience felt like a wasted opportunity. Save your money and find a better bar to enjoy your evening.
3. Stephanie - 2 out of 5 stars
I visited the Deceptive Magical Bar with a group of friends, hoping for a truly magical experience. What we got was far from it. The place was overcrowded and noisy, making it difficult to have a conversation. The waitstaff seemed overwhelmed and disorganized, resulting in long wait times for ordering and receiving our drinks. The drinks themselves were mediocre at best, lacking any unique flavors or presentation. The concept of a magical bar is great, but the execution here was a major disappointment. I would not recommend this place if you're looking for a magical night out.