Mission France

“The freshness and honesty of Mission France make it an ideal book for taking a new look at the secret war, at a time when knowledge of these brave women’s exploits is fading from living memory.”—Vin Arthey, The Scotsman

“A well-researched chronicle that intertwines each woman’s journey from ordinary daughters and wives to pioneering figures of the conflict who were adept in everything from parachuting to wireless operation.”—France Magazine

“Very ambitious and highly readable.”—H-Net Reviews

Shortlisted for the 2021 Society for Army Historical Research Best First Book Prize

“Apart from a few names, those of all the women who became SOE agents in France are largely unknown. But, in her compelling new book, Kate Vigurs has brought together the stories of all the women’s triumphs and tragedies. Stories that should not be missed.”—Susan Ottaway, author of Violette Szabo: The Life That I Have

“Thirty-nine ordinary women reacting to extraordinary circumstances. . . . Eschewing the glamorous image so often foisted on to the women of the SOE, Vigurs offers a cooler, more perceptive insight into varieties of courage.”—Siân Rees, author of Lucie Aubrac: The French Resistance Heroine Who Defied the Gestapo

“Mission France is an important addition to the story of the female agents of SOE’s F Section. It handles the history of these women by means of compassionate analysis and successfully avoids the hagiographical approach so favoured by other writers.”—Mark Seaman, author of Undercover Agent: How One of SOE’s Youngest Agents Helped Defeat the Nazis

“A riveting and brilliantly researched account of 39 women agents of SOE. Vigurs takes us on a journey of intrigue, betrayal, escape and sometimes tragedy. A must-read for all fans of the secret war, it is the definitive account of the secret underworld of occupation.”—Richard J. Aldrich, author of GCHQ: The Uncensored Story of Britain’s Most Secret Intelligence