Overview

A new edition of this highly popular biography. Odette Brailly entered the nation's consciousness in the 1950s when her remarkable – and romantic – exploits as a Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent first came to light. She was the first woman to be awarded the George Cross, as well as the Legion d'Honneur, and in 1950 the release of a film about her life made her the darling of the British popular press. But others openly questioned Odette's personal and professional integrity, even claiming that she had a clandestine affair with her supervisor Captain Peter Churchill, with whom she had worked undercover in France. Soon she became as controversial as she was celebrated. Historian Penny Starns delves into SOE personnel files to reveal the true story of this wartime heroine and the officer who posed as her husband. From Odette's life as a French housewife living in Britain, and her work undercover with the French Resistance, to her arrest, torture and unlikely survival in Ravensbruck concentration camp, Odette's true mission and the heartbreaking identity of her real betrayer is revealed for the first time. AUTHOR: Penny Starns was awarded her Doctorate in History at the University of Bristol and specialises in the History of the Second World War. She has researched and taught at Cambridge, London and Bristol universities, and has written history programmes for BBC Radio 4. Her other books include Nurses at War and Evacuation of Children during World War II. SELLING POINTS: . The first full biography on Odette Brailly since the 1950s . Uses SOE personnel files only opened in the 2000s . Highlights the danger and excitement of espionage work, along with the determination of all those who were involved with Resistance work . Brings warmth, generosity, intelligence and sense of humour to its heroine. 13 b/w illustrations

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9780750984379

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`An engaging biography about one of the twentieth century's most interesting women' -- Dr Juliette Pattinson

‘An engaging biography about one of the twentieth century’s most interesting women’ -- Dr Juliette Pattinson

Author Information

PENNY STARNS was awarded her Doctorate in History at the University of Bristol and specialises in the History of the Second World War. She has researched and taught at Cambridge, London and Bristol universities, and has written history programmes for BBC Radio 4. Her other books include Nurses at War and Evacuation of Children during World War II.

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