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What qualities did Nancy Wake have?
Her story is one of daring, courage, and optimism in the face of impossible odds. Most of us value courage and optimism and wish for a dash of daring in our lives. Those traits define Nancy Wake but it doesn’t get to the heart of why she resisted the Nazi Empire during the war.
Why did Nancy Wake join the resistance?
Having earlier witnessed the brutality of the Nazi regime as a journalist, Wake joined the French Resistance in 1940 and risked her life in a network helping Jewish people and Allied servicemen to escape. Wake hated war but believed that if it came, she, like other women, needed to play an active part.
Why was Nancy Wake so important?
Wake worked manning the dangerous escape routes through France helping to save the lives of many Allied troops and Jewish refugees. She was given her code name ‘The White Mouse’ by the Gestapo. Wake became one of the Gestapo’s most wanted resistance leaders and Wake was forced to flee France.
What was Nancy wakes role in ww2?
Nancy Grace Augusta Wake, AC, GM (30 August 1912 – 7 August 2011) (also known as Nancy Fiocca) was a nurse and journalist who joined the French Resistance and later the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, and briefly pursued a post-war career as an intelligence officer in the Air Ministry.
Was Nancy Wake married?
John Forwardm. 1957–1997
Henri Fioccam. 1939
Nancy Wake/Spouse
Why was Nancy Wake known as The White Mouse?
During the war in France, Wake served as an ambulance driver. After the fall of France in 1940, she joined the escape network of Captain Ian Garrow, which became the Pat O’Leary Line. In reference to Wake’s ability to elude capture, the Gestapo called her the “White Mouse”.
Who was Nancy Wake and what did she do?
ASHLEY HALL: Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia Nancy Wake was working in France when the Nazis invaded. Along with her French husband she planned escape routes for thousands of Allied troops and led 7,000 resistance fighters as they sabotaged the German war effort in preparation for D-Day.
Why was Nancy Wake called the White Mouse?
Wake’s network was very successful, and the Gestapo codenamed her ‘White Mouse’. She was ordered to flee France in 1943 when the network was betrayed. Her husband, French industrialist Henri Fiocca, remained behind. He was killed by the Gestapo.
What did Nancy Grace wake win in WW2?
She received the George Medal, 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, British War Medal 1939-45, French Officer of the Legion of Honour, French Croix de Guerre with Star and two Palms, US Medal for Freedom with Palm and French Medaille de la Resistance for her courageous endeavours.
Where are Nancy Grace wake’s medals on display?
Wake’s medals are on display in the Second World War gallery at the Australian War Memorial. Wellington, New Zealand. Nancy spent most of her childhood in Australia. Found work as a Nurse. Travelled to Europe and settled in Paris, working as a journalist.