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She Landed By Moonlight: The Story of Secret Agent Pearl Witherington: the 'real Charlotte Gray'
On the night of the 22 September 1943 Pearl Witherington, a twenty-nine-year-old British secretary and agent of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), was parachuted from a Halifax bomber into Occupied France. Like Sebastian Faulks' heroine, Charlotte Gray, Pearl had a dual mission: to fight for her beloved, broken France and to find her lost love. Pearl's lover was a Parisian parfumier turned soldier, Henri Cornioley, who had been taken prisoner while serving in the French Logistics Corps and subsequently escaped from his German POW camp.
Agent Pearl Witherington's wartime record is unique and heroic. As the only woman agent in the history of SOEs in France to have run a network, she became a fearless and legendary guerrilla leader organising, arming and training 3,800 Resistance fighters. Probably the greatest female organiser of armed maquisards in France, the woman whom her young troops called 'Ma Mère', Pearl lit the fires of Resistance in Central France so that Churchill's famous order to 'set Europe ablaze', which had brought SOE into being, finally came to pass.
Pearl's story takes us from her harsh, impoverished childhood in Paris, to the lonely forests and farmhouses of the Loir-et-Cher where she would become a true 'warrior queen'.
Shortly before Pearl's death in 2008, the Queen presented her with a CBE in Paris. While male agents and Special Force Jedburghs received the DSO or Military Cross, an ungrateful country had forgotten Pearl. She had been offered a civilian decoration in 1945 which she refused, saying 'There was nothing civil about what I did.' But what pleased her most was to receive her Parachute Wings, for which she had waited over 60 years. Two RAF officers travelled to her old people's home and she was finally able to pin the coveted wings on her lapel. Pearl died in February 2008 aged 93.
Agent Pearl Witherington's wartime record is unique and heroic. As the only woman agent in the history of SOEs in France to have run a network, she became a fearless and legendary guerrilla leader organising, arming and training 3,800 Resistance fighters. Probably the greatest female organiser of armed maquisards in France, the woman whom her young troops called 'Ma Mère', Pearl lit the fires of Resistance in Central France so that Churchill's famous order to 'set Europe ablaze', which had brought SOE into being, finally came to pass.
Pearl's story takes us from her harsh, impoverished childhood in Paris, to the lonely forests and farmhouses of the Loir-et-Cher where she would become a true 'warrior queen'.
Shortly before Pearl's death in 2008, the Queen presented her with a CBE in Paris. While male agents and Special Force Jedburghs received the DSO or Military Cross, an ungrateful country had forgotten Pearl. She had been offered a civilian decoration in 1945 which she refused, saying 'There was nothing civil about what I did.' But what pleased her most was to receive her Parachute Wings, for which she had waited over 60 years. Two RAF officers travelled to her old people's home and she was finally able to pin the coveted wings on her lapel. Pearl died in February 2008 aged 93.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
174 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Carole Seymour-Jones
13 books8 followersCarole Seymour-Jones was born in North Wales.
Educated at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and Sussex University, she became the acclaimed biographer of Beatrice Webb, Simone de Beauvoir and Vivienne Eliot, while her most recent book examined the life of Anglo-French SOE agent Pearl Witherington. She cited fellow biographers Richard Holmes and Hermione Lee, plus historian Antony Beevor, among her influences . A teacher of creative non-fiction, memoir and biography, Carole was a Visiting Fellow at the University of Surrey, a regular broadcaster, and judge of the Biographers’ Club Tony Lothian Prize.
Her biography 'Painted Shadow: The Life of Vivienne Eliot' was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize. She was the chair of the Writers in Prison Committee of English PEN, and co-editor of 'Another Sky: Voices of Conscience from Around the World', a collection of pieces by writers imprisoned for expressing their views.
Educated at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and Sussex University, she became the acclaimed biographer of Beatrice Webb, Simone de Beauvoir and Vivienne Eliot, while her most recent book examined the life of Anglo-French SOE agent Pearl Witherington. She cited fellow biographers Richard Holmes and Hermione Lee, plus historian Antony Beevor, among her influences . A teacher of creative non-fiction, memoir and biography, Carole was a Visiting Fellow at the University of Surrey, a regular broadcaster, and judge of the Biographers’ Club Tony Lothian Prize.
Her biography 'Painted Shadow: The Life of Vivienne Eliot' was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize. She was the chair of the Writers in Prison Committee of English PEN, and co-editor of 'Another Sky: Voices of Conscience from Around the World', a collection of pieces by writers imprisoned for expressing their views.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 17, 2017
This is my third biography of a female SOE agent operating in Nazi occupied France. Unlike Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, Pearl Witherington survived the war. She also led an army of 3,000 maquis against the German army, a unique achievement for a woman in WW2.
Of the three biographies, this probably gives the best overview of SOE operations in France. It’s marginally better researched than the others.
Pearl was also fighting face to face with the brutal Das Reich division of the Waffen SS, infamous for the Oradour-sur-Glane atrocity when they murdered an entire village of women and children. Like Noor Inayat Khan, Pearl Witherington’s achievements deserve a film, rather than the insipid fictional exploits of Charlotte Gray.
Not for the first time Charles de Gaulle comes across as a petulant, vain and egotistical man. Unbelievable that he wanted all British agents thrown out of France immediately after the liberation and refused to give them any credit. Apparently he was embittered by the way Churchill treated him and especially because he wasn’t told about D-Day until the last moment. The reason for this was that the French secret service was notoriously full of leaks. In other words, a bona fide justification. The ingratitude shown to Pearl was shocking. As was the refusal of the British government to award her with any kind of military recognition. She refused the civilian MBE she was offered, saying there was nothing “civil about what I did”.
Another amazing woman.
Of the three biographies, this probably gives the best overview of SOE operations in France. It’s marginally better researched than the others.
Pearl was also fighting face to face with the brutal Das Reich division of the Waffen SS, infamous for the Oradour-sur-Glane atrocity when they murdered an entire village of women and children. Like Noor Inayat Khan, Pearl Witherington’s achievements deserve a film, rather than the insipid fictional exploits of Charlotte Gray.
Not for the first time Charles de Gaulle comes across as a petulant, vain and egotistical man. Unbelievable that he wanted all British agents thrown out of France immediately after the liberation and refused to give them any credit. Apparently he was embittered by the way Churchill treated him and especially because he wasn’t told about D-Day until the last moment. The reason for this was that the French secret service was notoriously full of leaks. In other words, a bona fide justification. The ingratitude shown to Pearl was shocking. As was the refusal of the British government to award her with any kind of military recognition. She refused the civilian MBE she was offered, saying there was nothing “civil about what I did”.
Another amazing woman.
November 28, 2018
"SHE LANDED BY MOONLIGHT" is a fantastic story of a most remarkable woman, Pearl Witherington, an Englishwoman born in Paris of English parents, who carried a deep love and devotion for her adopted country France as great as her love for Britain.
During the Second World War, Witherington managed to spirit herself, her mother, and two of her sisters out of France to Britain following France's capitulation to Nazi Germany in June 1940. Three years later, Witherington joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE), trained as an agent and was parachuted into German-occupied France in September 1943. The book goes on to describe Witherington's achievements in the field over the following year against heavy odds. Indeed, at one point, the Germans had learned of her identity after the leader of the spy network of which she was a part had been captured by the Gestapo in May 1944. As a result, a ƒ1,000,000 bounty was put on Witherington's head. Undeterred, Witherington took on a new code name ('Pauline') and led the SOE Wrestler network in operations against German forces in the Valencay–Issoudun–Châteauroux triangle of central France. The 4,000 marquisards she organized, armed, and trained would play a significant role in tying down thousands of German soldiers after the Allies had landed in Normandy in June 1944.
This is a story that seems too incredible to be true. But it was all too real. Witherington survived the war, married the man she had long loved (who had also fought with her as a member of the Resistance in 1944), and went on to live a long life.
"SHE LANDED BY MOONLIGHT" also provides an interesting overview of SOE, how it came to be in July 1940, the opposition it faced from Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (i.e., MI-6) , its organizational structure, and the contributions made by SOE's F Section (of which Pearl Witherington was a part) in France towards defeating Nazi Germany. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about a true 'Warrior Queen.'
During the Second World War, Witherington managed to spirit herself, her mother, and two of her sisters out of France to Britain following France's capitulation to Nazi Germany in June 1940. Three years later, Witherington joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE), trained as an agent and was parachuted into German-occupied France in September 1943. The book goes on to describe Witherington's achievements in the field over the following year against heavy odds. Indeed, at one point, the Germans had learned of her identity after the leader of the spy network of which she was a part had been captured by the Gestapo in May 1944. As a result, a ƒ1,000,000 bounty was put on Witherington's head. Undeterred, Witherington took on a new code name ('Pauline') and led the SOE Wrestler network in operations against German forces in the Valencay–Issoudun–Châteauroux triangle of central France. The 4,000 marquisards she organized, armed, and trained would play a significant role in tying down thousands of German soldiers after the Allies had landed in Normandy in June 1944.
This is a story that seems too incredible to be true. But it was all too real. Witherington survived the war, married the man she had long loved (who had also fought with her as a member of the Resistance in 1944), and went on to live a long life.
"SHE LANDED BY MOONLIGHT" also provides an interesting overview of SOE, how it came to be in July 1940, the opposition it faced from Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (i.e., MI-6) , its organizational structure, and the contributions made by SOE's F Section (of which Pearl Witherington was a part) in France towards defeating Nazi Germany. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about a true 'Warrior Queen.'
February 23, 2016
una discreta boiata
January 20, 2019
Outstanding commemoration of an outstanding woman
In reading this book I found a new hero; a new source of inspiration; a renewed appreciation for people like Pearl and her comrades during such hard times. I can’t even begin to comprehend the bravery, the courage and the sacrifices that had to be made in the name of justice and patriotism.
Extremely well put together and researched - I found myself a little confused in the thick of it all with the many names and units to remember! All in all a great spontaneous read!
In reading this book I found a new hero; a new source of inspiration; a renewed appreciation for people like Pearl and her comrades during such hard times. I can’t even begin to comprehend the bravery, the courage and the sacrifices that had to be made in the name of justice and patriotism.
Extremely well put together and researched - I found myself a little confused in the thick of it all with the many names and units to remember! All in all a great spontaneous read!
November 8, 2014
A great story and an average story teller. And remarkably, the story is about actual events. These were incredible times and the SOE, incredible people. Any European reading today after decades of peacetime must feel a sense of humility.
The book follows a loose, chronological sequence following Pearl through her work before the war at the British Foreign Office, her narrow escape from France with her family to her training and work as a spy. However, Carole covers much more than Pearl's story, for example including the wider SOE operations and their contribution to the eventual Allied victory. There are many levels to the story.
There is a fascinating political backdrop. The SOE was a first-time experiment supported by Churchill but not de Gaulle. As a new operation in the theatre of war, it found itself in competition for resources with the more conventional SIS, now MI6, Bomber Command and the Free French Army. Opposing the SOE was the Gestapo and, in particular, their chief interrogator Hans Josef Kieffer, who operated an effective counter espionage ring of double agents. Stuff of le Carré? Yes, it started here.
Carole Seymour-Jones extolls Pearl, her determination, integrity and courage. At the same time, she paints Buckmaster, the spymaster, as naive and incompetent. Maybe the characters were this black and white, though I doubt it. Carole's simple writing style makes the book easy to read but would benefit from stronger editing: fewer typos, less repetition and more structure.
A key question is was it all worth it? Did the actions of the SOE cause sufficient harm to the German war effort? Carole plays with the question, but doesn't really do it justice. Not surprisingly, it challenges historians who've dedicated their studies to this period. The contrarian in me would like to hear the counter argument that it wasn't worth the human and materiel sacrifice. Again, the book comes across as biased.
The book follows a loose, chronological sequence following Pearl through her work before the war at the British Foreign Office, her narrow escape from France with her family to her training and work as a spy. However, Carole covers much more than Pearl's story, for example including the wider SOE operations and their contribution to the eventual Allied victory. There are many levels to the story.
There is a fascinating political backdrop. The SOE was a first-time experiment supported by Churchill but not de Gaulle. As a new operation in the theatre of war, it found itself in competition for resources with the more conventional SIS, now MI6, Bomber Command and the Free French Army. Opposing the SOE was the Gestapo and, in particular, their chief interrogator Hans Josef Kieffer, who operated an effective counter espionage ring of double agents. Stuff of le Carré? Yes, it started here.
Carole Seymour-Jones extolls Pearl, her determination, integrity and courage. At the same time, she paints Buckmaster, the spymaster, as naive and incompetent. Maybe the characters were this black and white, though I doubt it. Carole's simple writing style makes the book easy to read but would benefit from stronger editing: fewer typos, less repetition and more structure.
A key question is was it all worth it? Did the actions of the SOE cause sufficient harm to the German war effort? Carole plays with the question, but doesn't really do it justice. Not surprisingly, it challenges historians who've dedicated their studies to this period. The contrarian in me would like to hear the counter argument that it wasn't worth the human and materiel sacrifice. Again, the book comes across as biased.
December 6, 2022
Ah…so many hero’s, so much betrayal, at war and at home!
Another book listing the bravery and tenacity of the few so that we, the many, can live free from the tyranny of that time.
The confirmation, again, in the field, of so much betrayal, treachery, then at home: utter incompetence, bitter little men in suits (in London!!!) bickering and preening in their little piss ing contests!!!
I salute these very brave and amazing souls who gave all to help the war effort, both in the War and after it when their lives were a ruin due to what they’d been through. May the many remember them forever more.
The main character in this book was an amazing lady. Her drive, determination and tenacity helped to kick the enemy squarely in the nuts at the key moments. The lack of appropriate awards is craven.
Footnote: The behaviour of Br. Gen. CDG towards our brave and industrious agents is truly unforgivable. Whatever his (generally unfounded) grievances with Sir Winston, Pres. Roosevelt and Gen. Eisenhower et al. - to treat these hero’s who died and gave all to facilitate the uprising of resistance and ultimate rescue of the nation of France, is the behaviour of a spoilt, tactless (and gutless) amateur.
The book is generally; well written, cohesive & well structured. It loses a star for a huge amount of typos, some inaccuracies & the odd occasion where something interesting was covered scantly & the info is available.
Another book listing the bravery and tenacity of the few so that we, the many, can live free from the tyranny of that time.
The confirmation, again, in the field, of so much betrayal, treachery, then at home: utter incompetence, bitter little men in suits (in London!!!) bickering and preening in their little piss ing contests!!!
I salute these very brave and amazing souls who gave all to help the war effort, both in the War and after it when their lives were a ruin due to what they’d been through. May the many remember them forever more.
The main character in this book was an amazing lady. Her drive, determination and tenacity helped to kick the enemy squarely in the nuts at the key moments. The lack of appropriate awards is craven.
Footnote: The behaviour of Br. Gen. CDG towards our brave and industrious agents is truly unforgivable. Whatever his (generally unfounded) grievances with Sir Winston, Pres. Roosevelt and Gen. Eisenhower et al. - to treat these hero’s who died and gave all to facilitate the uprising of resistance and ultimate rescue of the nation of France, is the behaviour of a spoilt, tactless (and gutless) amateur.
The book is generally; well written, cohesive & well structured. It loses a star for a huge amount of typos, some inaccuracies & the odd occasion where something interesting was covered scantly & the info is available.
April 6, 2021
Warrior Queen
Although English born in Paris, she would become the Joan de Arc of the French resistance of WWII.
The work which I undertook was of a purely military nature in enemy occupied country. When the time for open warfare came we planned and executed open attacks on the enemy. I spent a year in the field and had I been caught I would have been shot or, worse still, sent to a concentration camp … Our training, which we did with the men was purely military, and as women we were expected to replace them in the field … I personally was responsible for the training and organisation of three thousand men for sabotage and guerrilla warfare. The men have received military decorations, why this discrimination with the women when they put the best of themselves into the accomplishment of their duties? Precedence? If so, it should not come into consideration. When I undertook my duties in the field, I did not personally take into consideration the fact that the mission had no precedent.’
Although English born in Paris, she would become the Joan de Arc of the French resistance of WWII.
The work which I undertook was of a purely military nature in enemy occupied country. When the time for open warfare came we planned and executed open attacks on the enemy. I spent a year in the field and had I been caught I would have been shot or, worse still, sent to a concentration camp … Our training, which we did with the men was purely military, and as women we were expected to replace them in the field … I personally was responsible for the training and organisation of three thousand men for sabotage and guerrilla warfare. The men have received military decorations, why this discrimination with the women when they put the best of themselves into the accomplishment of their duties? Precedence? If so, it should not come into consideration. When I undertook my duties in the field, I did not personally take into consideration the fact that the mission had no precedent.’
April 30, 2023
A Very Brave, Though Under-Valued Hero of WWII
Pearl Witherington was a genuine piece of work, as brave, cool and resourceful as they come. She and those like her deserve the “greatest generation” mantle.
This book does a good job of telling her story, with one or two provisos.
First, I guess the author wants readers to understand that Pearl was a native French speaker and that her covert work occurred in France. But I don’t speak French. Sometime she writes in French, then translates. Sometimes she just makes the reader guess - the book would be shorter and tighter writing without all the French - the book is in English, so why not stay with one language?
And, typos and actual factual mistakes draw into question credibility - early in the book she says the Gander airfield was in Iceland - uh, no, it is in Newfoundland, since 1947 part of Canada.
Honestly though, these points don’t make the information and story any less important, only pointing to approach and editing.
Pearl Witherington was a genuine piece of work, as brave, cool and resourceful as they come. She and those like her deserve the “greatest generation” mantle.
This book does a good job of telling her story, with one or two provisos.
First, I guess the author wants readers to understand that Pearl was a native French speaker and that her covert work occurred in France. But I don’t speak French. Sometime she writes in French, then translates. Sometimes she just makes the reader guess - the book would be shorter and tighter writing without all the French - the book is in English, so why not stay with one language?
And, typos and actual factual mistakes draw into question credibility - early in the book she says the Gander airfield was in Iceland - uh, no, it is in Newfoundland, since 1947 part of Canada.
Honestly though, these points don’t make the information and story any less important, only pointing to approach and editing.
May 1, 2021
Pearl Witherington, truly a heroine!
A most difficult book to review. I gave the book 4 stars for being informative, however it was no an easy book to follow due to the extensive amount of French language being used. Yes, I realize that the story (true story acknowledged) took place in France and was about the French resistance activities there. I further acknowledge my lack of the French language, but this book was published in English. Another criticism I had was the 40-50 pages of footnotes and acknowledgements at the book's end. After having the book, there was no way I could wade through it all. There were nice photos at book's end: it might have been nice to space them throughout the text. Still, with all these personal criticisms, I recommend this book to all followers of WWII history. Certainly an interesting and well documented account of one of the SOE's most successful personalities.
A most difficult book to review. I gave the book 4 stars for being informative, however it was no an easy book to follow due to the extensive amount of French language being used. Yes, I realize that the story (true story acknowledged) took place in France and was about the French resistance activities there. I further acknowledge my lack of the French language, but this book was published in English. Another criticism I had was the 40-50 pages of footnotes and acknowledgements at the book's end. After having the book, there was no way I could wade through it all. There were nice photos at book's end: it might have been nice to space them throughout the text. Still, with all these personal criticisms, I recommend this book to all followers of WWII history. Certainly an interesting and well documented account of one of the SOE's most successful personalities.
December 11, 2018
Absolutely a stunning read
What an inspirational person Pearl was.
The word brave just does not cover het outstanding curarag.
I only wish that the young people of today could read this book and try to follow her example.
Genuine tears were in my eyes many times during the read.
I was also taken with anger when I read of the way General DeGaul. Treated those heroic agents, in spite of the fact that England found him a safe place to shelter while the agents were offering up their lives to liberate his country.
Then he lead the procession through Paris as though he had liberated the country himself!!!
I for one will never forget them.
What an inspirational person Pearl was.
The word brave just does not cover het outstanding curarag.
I only wish that the young people of today could read this book and try to follow her example.
Genuine tears were in my eyes many times during the read.
I was also taken with anger when I read of the way General DeGaul. Treated those heroic agents, in spite of the fact that England found him a safe place to shelter while the agents were offering up their lives to liberate his country.
Then he lead the procession through Paris as though he had liberated the country himself!!!
I for one will never forget them.
October 7, 2019
Although ostensibly about a single individual, the breadth of this biography was more than I could really comprehend. Possibly others more familiar with the history of the French Resistance in WWII might have found it a more informative read.
As it was, I was carried along by the story, but I don't really have a feel for the immensity of the achievements of Pearl Witherington. Intellectually I kind of get it, and I completely believe the biographer that this was an amazing, loyal, competent, outstanding individual. But I kind of read it as a lot of Stuff happening, and then More Stuff. And there was a war on.
As it was, I was carried along by the story, but I don't really have a feel for the immensity of the achievements of Pearl Witherington. Intellectually I kind of get it, and I completely believe the biographer that this was an amazing, loyal, competent, outstanding individual. But I kind of read it as a lot of Stuff happening, and then More Stuff. And there was a war on.
June 15, 2019
Such a remarkable and brave women.
I love reading about this era. I find it so captivating, how people were living with war. I have nothing other than admiration for the SOE agents and the resistance fighters. They all had so much courage to do what they did. Pearl....wow what an amazing woman. Very brave, courageous, intelligent and strong willed. Her achievements were absolutely outstanding.
I love reading about this era. I find it so captivating, how people were living with war. I have nothing other than admiration for the SOE agents and the resistance fighters. They all had so much courage to do what they did. Pearl....wow what an amazing woman. Very brave, courageous, intelligent and strong willed. Her achievements were absolutely outstanding.
June 20, 2021
An Account of ultimate leadership and selfless dedication! A heroine in a man's world
This book while true reads like a novel.We fail to recognize the ability of women to lead and
Perform with with courage and unwavering commitment to dangerous tasks..Once you begin reading this book,you will not want to pit it down. I wish I understood French.
This book while true reads like a novel.We fail to recognize the ability of women to lead and
Perform with with courage and unwavering commitment to dangerous tasks..Once you begin reading this book,you will not want to pit it down. I wish I understood French.
December 31, 2023
Inspirational
The story of Pearl Witherington is an outstanding example of the very best that Britain has to offer. A real life female action hero, whose story is superbly outlined by an author who has painstakingly researched her subject. This should be compulsory reading for boys as well as girls in every school in England.
The story of Pearl Witherington is an outstanding example of the very best that Britain has to offer. A real life female action hero, whose story is superbly outlined by an author who has painstakingly researched her subject. This should be compulsory reading for boys as well as girls in every school in England.
August 24, 2024
This book wasn't a 'page-turner', but was very interesting. I learned a lot about WW2 in France - information brought out by the author. I wove around the story of Pearl Witherington who joined the SOE (one of the British secret service agencies) because she wanted to find her fiance in France. She became a leader of her group and resistance groups.
November 11, 2019
Brilliant book did not realise until reading this book just how many women were doing this in the second world war and to read how hard they had to fight for the recognition they so rightly deserved just because they were women.
January 22, 2023
Frankly, I find Pearl a little weird, particularly her devotion to the albatross around her neck that is Henri. Still, I read it to the end which is more than I can say for some books started recently. Clearly a very brave and well-organised lady and sadly unrecognised after the war ended.
July 19, 2017
Heroic stuff. A gripping history of the SOE during the Nazi occupation of France and their crucial role in Operation Overlord.
January 23, 2019
Like a History textbook
Like a history text book in the first half. Only interested me halfway through when concentrated on Pearl's exploits. Not my cup of tea!
Like a history text book in the first half. Only interested me halfway through when concentrated on Pearl's exploits. Not my cup of tea!
April 17, 2019
Very indepth history of this person, but also the larger context of WWII in France.
August 22, 2019
I expected it to be more about Pearl.......had too much about the history of the department and not enough about her. Could only get through half the book. :(
October 18, 2019
Excellent biography of an amazing woman.
January 1, 2020
Brilliant read on one of the lesser SOE heroes. Recommended in the Times in November 15. Very detailed history of the work of the SOE.
January 28, 2020
didn't bother finishing. Great story, but poorly written.
August 5, 2021
This book is epic and people who think woman did not help in the military fight against Germany read this book it’s like a thriller
March 19, 2023
Amazing woman in history
June 16, 2019
Maybe not the most cavalier of spies, as much of her desire to be a spy was to find her fiancé, a downed pilot.
However, after showing little inventive ability in getting her family out of France after Nazi invasion, the SOE gives her the training to excel in the tricky business of spying.
The movie Charlotte Gray was based on her story.
However, after showing little inventive ability in getting her family out of France after Nazi invasion, the SOE gives her the training to excel in the tricky business of spying.
The movie Charlotte Gray was based on her story.
February 21, 2017
I didn't love the tone of this one - somewhat on the sensational side, particularly after having read Pearl Witherington's own words on the subject - but it was better than some of the others I've read recently.
It did give some information about the particulars of the political infighting between the various British agencies that I haven't read before. Also details about De Gaulle and the RF section and how they fit in. And the specifics of the way in which the German advance northward after D Day was hampered by the Resistance but also by their own personal vendettas against the Resistance. I appreciated this addition to the bigger picture.
It did give some information about the particulars of the political infighting between the various British agencies that I haven't read before. Also details about De Gaulle and the RF section and how they fit in. And the specifics of the way in which the German advance northward after D Day was hampered by the Resistance but also by their own personal vendettas against the Resistance. I appreciated this addition to the bigger picture.
February 21, 2017
I loved this book
June 30, 2015
This is a well researched account of the life of a remarkable woman, Pearl Witherington, who on 22nd September 1943 was parachuted into occupied France as one of the few female agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE).
It is written in a fluent, readable style and the late Carole Seymour Jones provides the reader with sufficient background details about the internal machinations in Whitehall, the politics of the day and the events leading up to D Day to enable you to understand the difficulties faced by agents like Pearl.
It is written in a fluent, readable style and the late Carole Seymour Jones provides the reader with sufficient background details about the internal machinations in Whitehall, the politics of the day and the events leading up to D Day to enable you to understand the difficulties faced by agents like Pearl.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews