Walter Christmas

Walter Christmas-Dirckinck-Holmfeld (10 February 1861–18 March 1924), commonly known as Walter Christmas, was a Danish author, naval officer, diplomat, and spy for MI6. Today, he is best known for his children's books. He also wrote novels, nonfictional accounts, and theatrical works. Many of his early works were inspired by his experiences traveling as a naval officer.He began an extensive military career at the age of 14, serving in the Danish Navy, then later the Royal Thai Navy and the Greek Navy. While stationed in Siam he was involved in the Paknam incident wherein he disobeyed the orders of his commander, Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu. He was discharged as a result. He then served in the Greek Navy before returning to the Danish Navy in 1914. In 1916, he was again forced to resign following the revelation of his collusion with MI6.

Alongside his military career, Christmas was involved in several attempts to sell the Danish West Indies to various nations. His efforts were ultimately unsuccessful and resulted in a congressional investigation into claims that he attempted to bribe members of the United States government. When the islands were later sold in 1916, he was decorated as a member of the Order of the Dannebrog for his earlier diplomatic efforts.