Women in Intelligence:The Hidden History of two World Wars by Helen Fry

A ground-breaking history of women in intelligence in the 20th century – showing how they were central to MI organisations from the outset.

Join us for a fascinating evening with Helen Fry and her new book Women in Intelligence.

From the twentieth century onwards, women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence, defying the conventions of their time. Across both world wars, far from being a small part of covert operations, they ran spy networks and escape lines, parachuted behind enemy lines and interrogated prisoners. And, back in Bletchley and Whitehall, women’s vital administrative work in MI offices kept the British war engine running.

In this major, panoramic history, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work women undertook as civilians and in Uniform. From spies in the Belgian network ‘La Dame Blanche’, knitting coded messages into jumpers, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections, Fry shows just how crucial women were in the intelligence mission. Filled with hitherto unknown stories, Women in Intelligence places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women.

“[Fry] has fulfilled the task she set herself: that of putting these women on the map, testifying to their number and courage and providing an invaluable handbook for future scholars.” —Caroline Moorehead, The Spectator

“Last year’s brilliant book by Helen Fry revealed that Cavell’s work with British intelligence went much further than assisting stranded soldiers. . . . Even a century later, then, there are stories to be uncovered.”—Angus Reilly, The Telegraph

About the author:

Historian and biographer Helen Fry is the author of The London Cage, The Walls Have Ears, MI9, Spymaster and more than twenty books on intelligence, prisoners of war, and the social history of World War II. She appears regularly in media interviews and podcasts and has been involved in numerous documentaries.

Doors will open at 6.30pm

Tickets £7

Include a complimentary glass of wine/ soft drink

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