Corporal Josef Jakobs was a German Army soldier who became a spy during World War II. He was tasked with gathering intelligence in England and was dropped by parachute in the country in January 1941. Upon his arrival, he was soon apprehended by the British authorities, having landed near a farm in Cambridgeshire. Jakobs was quickly tried in a court of law for espionage, where evidence revealed his involvement with German intelligence operations. This trial occurred against the backdrop of World War II, a time of heightened national security and distrust toward enemy nationals.

On August 15, 1941, at 07:12, Jakobs faced execution by firing squad at the Tower of London, a historically significant site known for executions. His death marked a notable moment during the war, as he became the last person to be executed at this iconic location under espionage charges. The Tower of London had been a symbol of British sovereignty and power for centuries, and Jakobs' execution underscored the serious threats posed by espionage during this tumultuous period.

Jakobs was given a military trial, and the decision for execution was expedited due to the growing concerns about spying and sabotage as the war intensified. His execution at such a storied site illustrated the gravity with which the British government approached security during the conflict, sending a clear message about the consequences of spying for enemy nations. The methods and circumstances surrounding his execution have been a subject of interest among historians and war enthusiasts alike.