White Lady

Historian and biographer Helen Fry is the author of The Walls Have Ears, Spymaster, MI9, and more than twenty books on intelligence, prisoners of war, and the social history of World War II. She appears regularly in media interviews and podcasts and has been involved in numerous documentaries.

“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“It is not often that a writer is able to add to history rather than interpret it, but in her exploration of Belgian and Luxembourg archives Fry has done just that.”—Alan Judd, Spectator“Fry is sincere and gracious in her memorialising. . . . The credentials of the [Clarence Network] members, heroes all, are now happily celebrated alongside those of Fry and are alone reason enough to read her work.”—John Raine, Engelsberg Ideas“Helen Fry has produced a real thriller and a fitting testament to the heroism of the Belgians in both world wars.”—Tim Willasey-Wilsey, Cipher Brief“With The White Lady . . . Helen once again shows her aptitude for detailed research and compelling writing. . . . A genuine pleasure.”—Fred Judge, Sub Rosa (Journal for the Intelligence Corps)“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