They Called Her ‘The White Mouse’ — 32 Gestapo Agents Hunted Her, None Survived
August 7, 2011 — The world lost a remarkable figure when Nancy Wake, known as “The White Mouse,” passed away at the age of 98. Her life story is one of courage, defiance, and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. As a key figure in the French Resistance during World War II, Wake’s exploits against the Nazis were legendary, making her one of the most decorated servicewomen in Allied history. This is the story of how one woman outwitted the Gestapo, killed more Nazis than entire platoons, and became a symbol of resistance.
The Early Years: From Socialite to Soldier
Born on August 30, 1912, in Wellington, New Zealand, Nancy Grace Augusta Wake was the youngest of six children. Her father, a journalist, abandoned the family when she was just 12, leaving her mother, a strict Methodist, to raise the children alone. Nancy’s upbringing was stifled by her mother’s rigid expectations, which clashed with her own adventurous spirit. At 16, she ran away from home to pursue a life of independence.
After working as a nurse, Nancy moved to New York City in 1932, where she found herself amidst the chaos of the Great Depression. She quickly established herself as a journalist, covering crime and corruption with fearless determination. Her career took her to Europe in 1933, where she witnessed the rise of the Nazi regime firsthand. The brutality she observed in Vienna, including the violent treatment of Jews, ignited a fire within her—a resolve to fight against the tyranny she saw unfolding.
The Call to Action
In 1939, Nancy married Henry Fiaka, a wealthy French industrialist, and settled in Paris. However, her life of luxury was overshadowed by the growing threat of Nazi Germany. When Germany invaded Poland, Nancy knew that war was imminent. As France fell under Nazi control, she could no longer stand idly by.
In the free zone of Vichy France, Nancy began her work with the Resistance. She started small by helping Allied pilots escape to Spain, but her efforts quickly escalated. Using her wealth and social connections, she created a network that provided safe houses and forged documents for those fleeing the Nazis. Her apartment became a refuge for countless individuals escaping persecution.
Despite the danger, Nancy thrived in her role. She attended parties with Vichy officials, all the while gathering intelligence and planning escape routes for those in need. However, her activities did not go unnoticed. The Gestapo began to take interest in her movements, and after one of her couriers was arrested and tortured, they learned her identity.
The Great Escape
In 1942, the Gestapo came knocking at her door. Nancy was prepared; she had an emergency bag packed with false papers, money, and a pistol. When the officers arrived, she managed to escape through a window while her husband delayed them at the door. Henry was arrested, and despite enduring hours of interrogation, he refused to divulge Nancy’s whereabouts. Tragically, he was executed shortly afterward, a brutal reminder of the stakes involved in her fight against the Nazis.
With her husband gone, Nancy became even more determined. She moved from safe house to safe house, evading capture while continuing to run one of the most effective escape networks in southern France. Over 18 months, she helped more than 1,000 Allied airmen and refugees escape to safety.
The Gestapo, frustrated by their inability to catch her, placed a bounty of 5,000 francs on her head. By 1943, the net was tightening, and her network leaders urged her to leave France for her safety. Nancy agreed but only on the condition that she would return with training and weapons.
A Dangerous Journey
Nancy attempted to cross the Pyrenees into Spain six times, facing brutal winter conditions and numerous obstacles. On her sixth attempt, her group was ambushed by a German patrol. Her guide was shot dead, and in a moment of fierce determination, Nancy picked up his rifle and returned fire, killing two German soldiers. She crossed the mountains alone, navigating treacherous terrain without food or proper clothing, relying solely on her instincts.
When she finally reached a Spanish border town, she was arrested for illegal entry and imprisoned for six weeks. However, she managed to convince the authorities that she was just a helpless refugee. Eventually, the British embassy secured her release, and she was evacuated to London.
Joining the Fight
Arriving in England in June 1943, Nancy was determined to take her fight to the next level. She joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a secret organization tasked with conducting espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied Europe. Despite initial doubts about her age and lack of military training, she quickly proved herself, excelling in all aspects of her training.
On April 29, 1944, Nancy parachuted back into France, her mission to link up with local resistance fighters, train them, and prepare for the D-Day invasion. Upon arrival, she impressed the local Maquis fighters with her knowledge and leadership. Over the next three months, she transformed poorly armed civilians into an effective fighting force.
D-Day and Beyond
On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Nancy’s Maquis groups sprang into action, destroying railways, ambushing German convoys, and cutting communication lines. In the first week alone, they killed over 1,000 German soldiers. The Germans responded by sending an elite SS division to hunt down the resistance fighters, but Nancy’s guerrilla tactics kept her and her men one step ahead.
One night, after losing her radio operator in an ambush, Nancy knew she had to make a dangerous trip to a functioning radio to call for supplies. She cycled 1,000 kilometers through enemy territory, passing through multiple German checkpoints and using her charm and wit to evade capture. After 72 hours of relentless cycling, she successfully made contact with London and returned with vital supplies for her group.
Acts of Bravery
Nancy’s bravery did not stop there. During a raid on a German convoy, she took it upon herself to shoot a truck that was escaping with vital supplies for the enemy. Her skill as a marksman saved her comrades from potential slaughter. She also executed a German sentry with a knife, demonstrating her willingness to do whatever it took to protect her team.
As the war progressed, Nancy continued to lead daring operations against the Nazis. She orchestrated the destruction of a Gestapo headquarters, eliminating crucial records that could have led to the arrest of countless resistance members. Her actions saved hundreds of lives and solidified her reputation as a formidable force against the German occupation.
The War’s End and Personal Loss
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered, and Nancy was in a small French town when the news broke. She celebrated with champagne, but her joy was overshadowed by the loss of her husband, Henry. The Gestapo had killed him to send a message, and Nancy was left to grapple with her grief.
Despite her personal tragedy, Nancy emerged from the war as the most decorated servicewoman of World War II, receiving numerous honors from multiple countries. However, she never wore her medals, believing that she fought not for recognition but out of necessity.
Life After the War
After the war, Nancy struggled to reintegrate into civilian life. She attempted to reconcile with her mother but was met with rejection. She faced struggles with PTSD, which manifested in nightmares and a sense of isolation. Despite her challenges, she remained a strong figure, working various jobs and even running for Australian Parliament.
As the years passed, historians began to uncover her story, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the war effort. Nancy Wake became a symbol of resistance, a testament to the power of will against oppression.
Legacy of the White Mouse
Nancy Wake passed away on August 7, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and defiance. Her story teaches us that strength comes in many forms, and that one determined individual can change the course of history. The Gestapo, with all their resources, could never catch her because they underestimated her resolve.
In the end, Nancy Wake was more than just a spy; she was a hero who embodied the spirit of resistance against tyranny. Her life serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies not in physical might but in the unyielding will to fight for what is right.
