Nancy Wake

Archival Summary & Scope

Nancy Wake, a 1930s Parisian socialite, transformed into the Gestapo's most wanted spy during WWII. Witnessing Nazi brutality ignited her resolve, leading her to establish a successful escape network for Allied soldiers in Marseille, expertly camouflaged by her high-society life. Dubbed "the White Mouse" for her elusive nature, Wake became a legendary leader in the French Resistance after fleeing France. She organized parachute drops, supplied weapons, trained fighters, and undertook daring missions like cycling 400 kilometers for a new radio. Peter FitzSimons unveils the extraordinary true story of Nancy Wake, a woman of incredible courage and defiance. This gripping account will appeal to readers of *A Woman of No Importance* and *Code Name: Lise*, offering the factual history behind *Code Name Hélène* and *Liberation*.