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Women in Intelligence
Women in Intelligence
Women in Intelligence - The Hidden History of Two World Wars
A ground-breaking history of women in British Intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the 20th century.
Across the twentieth century women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence, defying the conventions of their time. In both world wars, far from being a small part of covert operations, they ran spy networks and escape lines, parachuted behind enemy lines and interrogated prisoners.
And, back in Bletchley and Whitehall, women’s vital administrative work in Military Intelligence offices kept the British war engine running.
In this major, panoramic history, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work women undertook as civilians and in uniform. From spies who worked for the Belgian network ‘La Dame Blanche’, knitting coded messages into jumpers, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections, Fry shows just how crucial women were in the intelligence mission.
Filled with book-exclusive unknown stories, Women in Intelligence places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women.
The book has made the honorary list of Waterstones' Best Books of 2023, in the Military History category.
“Last year’s brilliant book by Helen Fry revealed that Cavell’s work with British intelligence went much further than assisting stranded soldiers. . . . Even a century later, then, there are stories to be uncovered.”—Angus Reilly, The Telegraph
Buyers from Europe and USA can now purchase the book online by selecting the appropriate item with postage to your area. For all other countries, please Email Operations@tnmoc.org for postage costs.
About the book
A history of the elaborate and brilliantly sustained World War II intelligence operation by which Hitler's generals were tricked into giving away vital Nazi secrets
At the outbreak of World War II, MI6 spymaster Thomas Kendrick arrived at the Tower of London to set up a top secret operation: German prisoners' cells were to be bugged and listeners installed behind the walls to record and transcribe their private conversations. This mission proved so effective that it would go on to be set up at three further sites-and provide the Allies with crucial insight into new technology being developed by the Nazis.
In this astonishing history, Helen Fry uncovers the inner workings of the bugging operation. On arrival at stately-homes-turned-prisons like Trent Park, high-ranking German generals and commanders were given a "phony" interrogation, then treated as "guests," wined and dined at exclusive clubs, and encouraged to talk. And so it was that the Allies got access to some of Hitler's most closely guarded secrets-and from those most entrusted to protect them.
