Nancy Wake was a New Zealand-born woman who played a pivotal role in the French Resistance during World War 2. Known by her code name "The White Mouse," she helped save hundreds of Allied lives, brought crucial intelligence to the British, and worked to end the Nazi occupation of France. As a result, she became the Gestapo's most wanted person. Despite facing great danger, Nancy courageously continued her resistance activities throughout the war. After the war, she received high honors and awards for her achievements and bravery from France, Britain, and other countries.
2. About Nancy D.O.B: 30th of August 1912 in Wellington, New Zealand. 5 siblings. Youngest sibling. Her father went back to New Zealand. Died at the age of 98 in a nursing home in London. She was married twice, to Henri Fiocca (1939) and John Forward(1957). They had a house in Marseilles.
3. Also known as “the White Mouse” She escaped only by hiking 50 hours through the Pyrenees in espadrilles, finally making it to Spain. Nancy was a women of courage and resourcefulness. Saved the lives of hundreds of allied personnel. Helped bring the Nazi occupation of France to an end. Joined a resistance group in Marseilles. “The White Mouse”
4. Rode a marathon bike and cycled about 500km in 72 hours. Crossed several German checkpoints. Wanted find an operator to radio Britain and request new codes. Took the responsibility because she a women was deemed to have more chance. What she stood up for? German Checkpoint
5. She got caught by the Gestapo's. She became the number 1 target on the Gestapo’s wanted list. consequences
6. her achievements Nancy wake noticed the storm troopers doing horrible things to the Jewish people. Miss Wakes said “ the storm troopers had tied the Jewish people up to massive wheel” she later recounts “ they were rolling the wheel along and the storm troopers were whipping the Jews. She stood there and thought, I don’t know what ill do about it, but if I can do anything one day, I’ll do it, And always had that picture in my mind, all through the war. “ In the war Nancy became more increasingly involved in the French resistance movement talking advantage of her privileged social position to avoid detection. She helped hundreds of escaped prisoners of war, political refugees, by seeking safety passage out of France through to Spain.
7. In 1988 Nancy was promoted to officer of the London legion of honour. In 1939-1945 she was awarded the George medal star, France and Germany star, defence medal, British war medal in 1939-1945 and other medals. Awards France and Germany Star Medal. Defence Medal. British War Medal. George Medal.
Editor's Notes
Nancy is called “the White Mouse” because she hid hundreds of British soldiers during world war 2, Gestapo would catch her in a corner but never caught her. She escaped only by hiking 50 hours through the Pyrenees in espadrilles, finally making it to Spain. Joined a resistance group in Marseilles.Number 1 target on Gestapo’s wanted list.
Wake was appointed a Chevalier (knight) of the Legion of Honour in 1970 and was promoted to Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1988