DISCOVER the incredible bravery of one of World War Two’s most decorated female spies at an upcoming online talk.
Sophie Parker, the granddaughter of the late Wellington resident and wartime hero Odette Hallowes, will bring the tale of her grandmother’s life to screens on Thursday, March 20.
In 1942, operating under the codename LISE, Odette Hallowes began work as a courier for the Secret Operations Executive (SOE), a British organization supporting the French resistance.
Odette's missions included transporting vital plans and messages crucial for the Allied efforts. One key mission involved collecting plans of the port in Marseilles and sending them back to Britain, which were instrumental after the D-Day landings.
In April 1943, Odette and Captain Peter Churchill were arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo. Despite being tortured 14 times, Odette never revealed any information, saving countless lives.
French-born Odette convinced the Germans that she and Peter Churchill were married and that he was the nephew of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which helped protect them both.
In April 1944, Odette was sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp where she continued to show remarkable resilience until the camp was liberated in 1945. After the war, she returned to the Somerset/Devon border to recuperate.
For her war efforts, Odette Hallowes was awarded numerous honours, including the Order of the British Empire, the Légion d’Honneur, and the George Cross.
Locally, Odette’s legacy lives on around Wellington, from Odette Avenue to the former Odette's Tearoom.
Sophie will be sharing Odette’s story online on March 20 from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Tickets cost £8 and can be purchased on the South West Heritage Trust website.