The Story of Nancy Wake: The Mouse that ran rings around the Nazis

Angela Barnes and John O’Farrell romp through history, unravelling fascinating and down-right bizarre events.

This time we meet the New Zealand born journalist turned French society housewife Nancy Wake, who became one of Churchill’s most decorated agents and one of the Gestapo’s most wanted.  

Whether she was flirting with Nazis to get out of trouble or parachuting into the heart of the French Resistance, Nancy Wake was right in the thick of the action and the woman the Germans called “White Mouse”. She took no shit from anyone. Contemporaries say she ”put the men to shame by her cheerful spirit and strength of character." 

Find out exactly how this kick-ass woman kicked some ass.

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• “In training Nancy had to be bribed with whiskey before jumping out of a plane. I love her.” – Angela Barnes
• “Tardivat said about her; ‘She is the most feminine woman I know—until the fighting starts! Then,’ and he kissed his fingers as only a Frenchman can, ‘she is like five men’.” – John O’Farrell
• “She went out dancing in occupied France and was doing parachute rolls on the floor. It's a bit of a giveaway.” – Angela Barnes 

Reading list:

Nancy Wake by Russell Braddon

White Mouse : The Autobiography of Australia's Wartime Legend

We Are History is written and presented by Angela Barnes and John O’Farrell. Audio production by Simon Williams and artwork by James Parrett. Lead Producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor is Andrew Harrison. We Are History is a Podmasters Production.

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