The Spy Who
The Spy Who Dressed the Queen | Reckoning Day | 3
May 6, 2025
Travel back to January 1944 as Hardy Amies grapples with the stakes of espionage in WWII. Discover the intense planning behind liberating Antwerp, where daring SOE agents take on Nazi defenses. The podcast dives deep into the emotional scars left on Brussels after the war, revealing the personal struggles of those who survived. An intriguing tale of Prosper De Zieta unfolds, showcasing his hidden identity while echoing the glamour of a fashion designer whose work graces Queen Elizabeth II. Explore loyalty and betrayal in the intertwining worlds of royalty and intelligence.
40:43
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Quick takeaways
- The operation targeted Nazi collaborators like Prosper De Zita to instill fear, although his threat persisted even after attempts on his life.
- As Allied forces aimed to secure Antwerp for supply lines, effective coordination with local resistance was crucial to thwart German sabotage efforts.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Operation Rat Week
Operation Rat Week focused on the assassination of Nazi informants and collaborators in occupied Europe. Initially, the operation faced obstacles when the Belgian government in exile refused to sanction it on their soil. Despite these challenges, SOE agents chose to carry out the hits unofficially, targeting figures like Prosper De Zita, a known collaborator who had betrayed many Allied airmen. The operation was intended to instill fear in those working with the Nazis, but its effectiveness was marred by the realization that De Zita remained a potent threat even after planned attacks against him.
