The White Lady
The Story of Two Key British Secret Service Networks Behind German Lines
$23.23
- Paperback
320 pages
- Release Date
3 December 2026
Summary
A major new history of the two most important British secret service networks in the First and Second World Wars
Intelligence gathering was essential to both sides in the First and Second World Wars. At the heart of MI6’s efforts were two key networks in Belgium. Agents in The White Lady acted as couriers, radio operators and spies to facilitate the end of German control. And, when war broke out again two decades later, the leaders of the network regrouped and establi…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780300297188 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0300297181 |
| Author: | Helen Fry |
| Publisher: | Yale University Press |
| Imprint: | Yale University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 320 |
| Release Date: | 3 December 2026 |
| Dimensions: | 127mm x 197mm |

You Can Find This Book In
Critics Review
“There has not been a comprehensive history of the White Lady for 90 years… . Working from newly declassified archives in Brussels, Helen Fry [shines] overdue light on what she rightly describes as ‘astonishing tales of selfless heroism from behind the German lines.’”—James Owen, Times (UK)
“A useful book in helping us understand these wars, and it is also a tribute to the bravery of those who risked everything.”—Vin Arthey, Scotsman
“A thrilling account.”—Matt Nixon, Daily Express
“Fry is a formidable historian of British intelligence… . Her work in examining the detail of both wars only emphasises the ongoing importance of heroism and resourcefulness needed, in both past and future, for effective wartime resistance.”—Jane Thynne, Aspects of History
“Fry highlights the importance of the intelligence work conducted by Belgian networks—the White Lady during WWI and the Clarence and Mill Services during WWII—to the British Secret Service.”—Mary Kathryn Barbier, author of Spies, Lies and Citizenship
“A fascinating study of one of the great triumphs of Britain’s wartime secret service operations with superb, groundbreaking research in the Belgian and UK archives. A truly excellent read.”—Michael Smith, author of The Real Special Relationship
“A fantastic and inspirational story of heroism and defiance.”—Michael Goodman, Kings College London
“Helen Fry does it again! Her ability to combine deep research with powerful storytelling make her books a must read for anyone interested in intelligence and the real meaning of wartime resistance. The White Lady reveals the stories of brave individuals now brought into the limelight where they belong, thanks to Fry. This is a compelling and important book.”—Anne Sebba, author of The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz
“Gripping. Fry sheds fresh light on two important MI6 networks and pays homage to the courageous agents who risked all in Belgium during both world wars.”—Claire Hubbard-Hall, author of Her Secret Service
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.



