Mission Europe: The Secret History of the Women of SOE

Launching Dr Kate Vigurs’s latest book, 'Mission Europe', this talk brings to life the stories of women recruited by the British for covert missions in occupied Europe.

In the wake of the Nazi invasion of Europe, the tentative sparks of resistance in occupied countries were fanned by Britain’s Special Operations Executive. Across the continent, the SOE recruited women to 'set Europe ablaze'. Working as secret agents and saboteurs, these individuals bolstered resistance from within and provided much needed support and weapons.

F Section’s actions in France are renowned, and today some operatives have become household names. But what happened to the women who worked outside France and those who were locally recruited?

In this gripping talk, Kate will share the stories of the lesser-known women who worked across Europe, from the Netherlands to Belgium and Poland to Denmark. She will also explore the lives of Jewish agents recruited in Mandate Palestine for missions in Eastern Europe. Kate examines why women were recruited, analysing their successes and contributions, and celebrates the ordinary women who did extraordinary things.

About the speaker

Dr Kate Vigurs is an independent historian, author, lecturer, and academic advisor. She is the author of 'Mission France' and 'Mission Europe', as well as a frequent contributor for TV, radio and the press.