Famous Australians - Nancy Wake

                                             

"I hate wars and violence, but if they come I don't see why we women should just wave our men a proud goodbye and then knit them balaclavas."

As part of our  Australian History studies this year we are studying certain famous Australians. This week we read about Nancy Wake, female spy during World War 2. I really enjoyed learning about her life exploits which seemed both daring and courageous. I love learning about women who live extraordinary lives!

  ~ THE WHITE MOUSE ~

Nancy Wake, known by her enemies as the ‘White Mouse’ was an independent, determined beauty from North Sydney. Sparked with the thrill of travel when she was just 18, she arrived at London in 1933. From there she moved to Paris and received employment as a journalist. Soon she met and wed the rich Henri Fioccen (who was fourteen years older) with whom she lived in luxury and comfort until he was summoned to fight for the war. Nancy, in her eagerness to aid the war effort, taught herself to drive an ambulance.

When the Vichy Government gained power Nancy signed up with the Resistance and aided by her witty charm and intelligence, she conquered many challenging missions and collected valuable information. The Gestapo awarded her the nick-name ‘White Mouse’ because of her sensational ability to slip out of seemingly impossible traps. In 1943 her husband, sensing danger, imploringly urged her to flee France. Nancy crossed the rugged mountain border into Spain on foot within 47 hours and with no provisions, before reaching London and long sought safety. In London she joined the SOE (Special Operations Executive) where she was trained in explosives, surveillance, disarmament and even how to murder someone with her bare hands. Her unique, bubbly disposition was never dampened even in the most challenging situations. After completing the SOE course Nancy parachuted back into France with her determination, spirit and courage in tact.

After the War her bravery was rewarded with many prestigious medals. In 1949 she returned to her home country, Australia where she lived comfortably with her second husband until 2001 when she moved back to London….. forever a heroine.

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Since writing this I've found out Nancy was actually born in New Zealand and moved to Australia with her family when she was just 2 years old. In fact my auntie who lives in Auckland just told me that her own grandfather was a cousin to Nancy Wake. How amazing is that!