The real story of the female secret agents of World War II

The big screen often depicts female secret agents’ lives as exciting and enviable, full of intrigue and glamour, when the cold reality was actually far removed from such portrayals.

During the Second World War women from the Government’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) risked their lives working as couriers and wireless operators behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France.  Their existence was incredibly dangerous and lonely, and they required tremendous courage and bravery to survive.

Historian Dr Kate Vigurs has researched what life was truly like for these women and will tell their real stories at the Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre on International Women’s Day.

“I was looking for women who had done extraordinary things, women who had made a difference, who had interesting stories to tell,” Dr Vigurs said, adding that the biographies were fascinating, but often incredibly sad.

The women were from many different backgrounds and ages, meaning their stories are relatable to many people in different ways.

Dr Vigurs said the talk was particularly relevant on International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements and campaign for equality.

“It’s a really good opportunity to tell the stories of the women who went before us, who changed the world that we live in.

“We wouldn’t be living in this world if it wasn’t for some of these people.  These women paved the way for D Day and if it wasn’t for that, life would be very, very different for us,” she added.

“Put yourself in their shoes, would you do it?  I’ve been studying this for 20 years and I know for sure I wouldn’t.”

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Tickets are priced £4 to £6 and available online at http://hud.ac/glz or by calling 01484 471939.

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Dr Vigurs set up her own historical interpretation company and often produces scripts and performs for organisations such as English Heritage and Imperial War Museums.  She regularly appears on TV and radio and has recently filmed a documentary for the Yesterday channel.

The Director of the Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre, Emma King, is delighted to welcome Dr Vigurs to speak at the Centre: “The women of the SOE were instrumental in preserving the freedoms we all value, but some of them paid a terrible price.  As we approach the 75^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War it’s important that we reflect on the bravery of these women and that we don’t take that freedom for granted.  I am pleased that Kate can join us on International Women’s Day to tell their stories.”

The talk, called The Women of the Special Operations Executive, is supported by a grant from The Association of Jewish Refugees.  It will be held at the Centre, which is run by the Holocaust Survivors’ Friendship Association in partnership with the University of Huddersfield, at 2pm on Sunday 8 March.