Women of the Resistance: Forgotten and Famous Heroines

Throughout history, countless women have risked everything to resist oppression, fight for freedom, and aid the war effort from the shadows. Some became legends, like Violette Szabo, whose bravery inspired books and films. Others, like Muriel Byck, Hannie Schaft, and Wanda Gertz, remain lesser known despite their extraordinary courage. This month, in honor of Women's History Month, we shine a light on the famous and forgotten heroines of WWII’s resistance movements—women who fought, spied, sabotaged, and sacrificed. Their stories deserve to be remembered. Here are some for Women History month. Join me in the Facebook Reader Group as we uncover the incredible lives of these fearless women.

📜 Remembering Violette Szabo – 80 Years On

On 5 February 1945, Violette Reine Szabo, a courageous SOE agent, was executed at Ravensbrück concentration camp. She was only 23 years old, but her bravery and resilience left a lasting mark on history.

Born to a British mother and a French father, Violette risked everything to fight for France’s freedom. Twice parachuted into occupied France, she carried out vital intelligence work and led resistance efforts with unwavering determination. Despite being captured in June 1944, she endured brutal interrogations without breaking, protecting her comrades to the very end.

On 2 February 2025, a commemoration was held in her honor, marking 80 years since her execution. Her legacy remains alive through books, films, and the continued admiration of those who recognize her sacrifice.

My own book in the Timeless Agents series about Violette, The Heartbeat of Freedom, Codename Louise, will be written in due time.

Read more about Violette’s story in this recent tribute:
📖 Her story of the Month – Violette Szabo

🕯 Lest we forget.

#VioletteSzabo #SOE #WWIIWomen #WomenOfTheResistance

📜 Remembering Muriel Byck – The SOE Agent Who Never Got to See Victory

Muriel Tamara Byck was a young Jewish woman who risked everything for the cause of freedom. Born in France but raised in Britain, she was recruited into the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and parachuted into occupied France in 1944 as a radio operator—a role with one of the highest mortality rates in the Resistance.

Working under constant danger, Muriel transmitted vital intelligence for the French Resistance, helping coordinate sabotage operations. Tragically, she fell ill with meningitis in May 1944 and died in a makeshift hospital, never living to see the Liberation of France.

Despite her sacrifice, Muriel’s story remains little known. This July, her legacy will be honored in my upcoming novel, The Call of Destiny: Codename Violette, which is now available for preorder:
📖 The Call of Destiny – Preorder Here

For more about Muriel and other Jewish heroines of the SOE, visit:
🌍 Daughters of Yael: Jewish Heroines of the SOE

🕯 Gone but not forgotten.

#MurielByck #SOE #WWIIWomen #WomenOfTheResistance #JewishHeroines

📜 Remembering Hannie Schaft – The Girl with the Red Hair

Hannie Schaft was a Dutch resistance fighter who struck fear into the hearts of Nazi occupiers. A university student turned resistance operative, she helped Jewish children escape, sabotaged enemy operations, and executed Nazi collaborators—earning her a place on the Gestapo’s most-wanted list.

In April 1945, just weeks before the Netherlands was liberated, Hannie was captured and executed. Her final words before being shot: “I shoot better than you.” Even in death, she remained defiant.

Having lived in the Netherlands for many years, I’ve always admired her courage and relentless spirit. Her story has stayed with me, and I’m honored to share it here.

For more on Hannie’s overlooked legacy, read this New York Times tribute:
📖 Hannie Schaft – Overlooked No More

🕯 Lest we forget.

#HannieSchaft #DutchResistance #WWIIWomen #WomenOfTheResistance

📜 Honoring Wanda Gertz – The Woman Who Became a Soldier

Wanda Gertz was a Polish patriot whose determination knew no bounds. Born in 1896 in Warsaw, she was inspired by her father's tales of the January Uprising. At a time when women were barred from combat, Wanda cut her hair, donned male attire, and enlisted in the Polish Legion during World War I under the alias Kazimierz "Kazik" Żuchowicz. Her courage and skill led her to serve in various capacities, including commanding an all-female sabotage unit during World War II. Despite facing imprisonment and numerous challenges, her spirit remained unbroken.

For a comprehensive look into her life and legacy, this article offers detailed insights:
📖 Wanda Gertz – The Symbol of Female Courage in World War II

🕯 Remembering a true heroine.

#WandaGertz #PolishResistance #WWIIWomen #WomenOfTheResistance

📜 Honoring Andrée de Jongh – The Architect of the Comet Line

Andrée de Jongh, affectionately known as "Dédée," was a Belgian resistance heroine who, during World War II, established the Comet Line, a clandestine network that rescued Allied airmen shot down over occupied Europe. Born in 1916 in Schaerbeek, Belgium, she was inspired by the bravery of Edith Cavell, a British nurse executed in World War I for aiding soldiers' escapes. Dédée's unwavering courage led her to personally escort numerous airmen across treacherous terrains, including the Pyrenees, guiding them to safety in neutral Spain. Her relentless efforts saved countless lives, and even after being captured and enduring imprisonment in concentration camps, her spirit remained unbroken.

For a comprehensive look into her life and legacy, this article offers detailed insights:
📖 Andrée de Jongh: Faster Than a Comet

🕯 Remembering a true heroine.

#AndréeDeJongh #CometLine #BelgianResistance #WWIIWomen #WomenOfTheResistance