She died alone, uncelebrated, on Sept. 2 of a heart attack at age 89. Only on Tuesday did the nation learn of her bravery behind enemy lines: She went on a clandestine mission to France in 1944 at the tender age of 23 to operate a wireless transmitter that served as a vital link between the French resistance and war planners in London.
Nearne posed as a French shop girl. She meanwhile helped coordinate supply lines and weapons drops in advance of the D-Day invasion that marked the beginning of the liberation of Europe, then stayed on the job until the Nazis caught her in July 1944, and sent her to the Ravensbruck concentration camp. She later escaped after being sent to a smaller nearby camp.
The accounts of her extraordinary deeds — her grace under fire — were made public by military historians and special forces veterans who had read her secret files and knew what Nearne had accomplished but declined to discuss. Her wartime role was not publicly acknowledged until local officials went into her apartment after her death and found a treasure trove of medals, records and memorabilia, including French currency used during the war.
What an incredible woman! You can read her story here.
A morning cuppa English tea to This Ain't Hell.
I will have to read it later -- work calls. But it is always uplifting to read about such brave heroes.
ReplyDeleteI'm about to run out the door too, Matt. Have a wonderful day! :)
ReplyDeleteIncredible bravery. Watched First Light last night too.
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