
History Extra podcast Forgotten female secret agents of WW2
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Nov 28, 2025 In a captivating discussion, historian Kate Vigurs delves into the incredible yet overlooked stories of female secret agents during WWII. She highlights the bravery of women in the Special Operations Executive, including Trix Terwindt and Elspieta Zawacka, who undertook perilous missions across Europe. Vigurs shares insights into their rigorous training alongside men and the societal perceptions they faced. The conversation explores the enduring legacy of these courageous women and the importance of remembering their contributions to the war effort.
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SOE's Distinct Sabotage Role
- SOE (Special Operations Executive) focused on sabotage and subversion rather than traditional spying.
- Its remit was to slow the German war effort by funding, arming and training local resistance groups.
From KLM Stewardess To Parachuted Agent
- Trix Terwint left a high-flying KLM career to run an escape line for downed airmen and was later parachuted back into the Netherlands.
- Her mission connections led her into one of SOE's biggest post-landing disasters.
Polish Courier Who Trained Agents
- Elspieta Zawacka trained women pre-war and became an experienced courier carrying microfilms across hostile borders.
- She later returned to England to brief and train SOE agents about life under occupation.



