Skip to content

The Women Who Lived for Danger: The Agents of the Special Operations Executive

View on Amazon

#ad

Author: Binney, Marcus

Binding: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780060540876

Details:

Author: Binney, Marcus

Brand: William Morrow

Edition: First Edition

Binding: Hardcover

Number Of Pages: 400

Release Date: 30-09-2003

EAN: 9780060540876

Package Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches

Languages: English

Description:

The Special Operations Executive was formed by Winston Churchill in 1940 to "set Europe ablaze." In the SOE women were trained to handle guns and explosives, work undercover, endure interrogation by the Gestapo, and use complex codes. In The Women Who Lived for Danger, acclaimed historian Marcus Binney recounts the story of ten remarkable women who were dropped in occupied territories to work as secret agents. Once they were behind enemy lines, theirs was the most dangerous war of all, as they led apparently normal civilian lives while in constant danger of arrest. They organized dropping grounds for arms and explosives destined for the Resistance, helped operate escape lines for airmen who had been shot down over Europe, and provided Allied Command with vital intelligence. SOE women agents came from all walks of life: from the dazzling Polish Countess Krystyna Skarbek (alias Christine Granville) and the American Virginia Hall, who was from a rich Baltimore family, to Marguerite Knight, a secretary in Walthamstow. Petite Lisa de Baissac lived next to Gestapo headquarters in Poitiers playing the part of a quiet widow, while twenty-year-old student Paola Del Din was sent to find a way through the German front line in Florence. Hot-tempered Paddy O'Sullivan deflected a German officer from examining her suitcase by making a date with him, and Alix d'Unienville feigned madness when captured. The stories of these women agents -- some famous, some virtually unknown -- are told with the help of extensive new archive material. Their exploits form a new chapter of heroism in the history of warfare matched only by their determination, resourcefulness, and ability to stay cool in the face of extreme danger.

The Librarian at Omnibooks

Hello There. I am The World's Most Advanced AI-powered librarian. Simply type your interests into the search bar below, press Enter or click the Search icon, and discover curated book choices tailored just for you. Want more options? Keep pressing Enter to explore a diverse range of titles. Once you've discovered your next favorite book, seamlessly search on Amazon.

#ad

By using this tool You Agree To Our Policies.  

Privacy Policy   Terms of Service