Women of Espionage: Libertas Schultze-Boysen

 

“In the face of authoritarian rule, what is a citizen to do? Some will join the oppressors, while others, such as the diarist of the Nazi era Victor Klemperer, will keep their heads down, hoping the horrors will pass (they usually do not). Some, generally a tiny minority, choose the path of civil courage and resistance, of activity that aims to sabotage the regime. Such acts may take many forms, one being to work secretly from within the new establishment of which you are a part.” (1)

Libertas Schultze-Boysen was one of the latter. Born into a German aristocratic family on November 20, 1913, she was raised on her grandfather’s estate outside of Berlin. Her parents were bi-lingual, so she also learned English and French. At some point after her high school graduation, she moved to England, but by 1933, she was back in Berlin working as a press officer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio.

According to several sources, she met her future husband Harro while sailing on the Wannsee during the summer of 1934. By then, Harro had already been subjected to Nazi atrocities when the Gestapo closed down the “left-leaning” publication he was producing, Der Gegner (The Opponent) and beat him badly enough he lost most of one ear and suffered damage to his kidneys. He was released because of his mother’s influence.

The couple married in 1936 with Herman Göring walking Libertas down the aisle. Over the next

several years, they used their positions (her with MGM and him in the Ministry of Aviation) to gather information about Nazi violence and crimes in Germany as well as their involvement in the Spanish Civil War. Additionally, Libertas and Harro held informal meetings with like-minded, anti-Nazi friends. In 1939, they met Mildred and Arvid Harnack with whom they would initiate a collection of resistance cells called the Red Orchestra at the end of the following year.

A great risk to herself, Libertas continued to collect photographs, help persecuted people escape and wrote and distributed Nazi leaflets and pamphlets “that contained dissident content.” She and other members of Red Orchestra also wrote letters to prominent individuals.

In July 1942, illegal radio transmissions by a Soviet agent were tracked down by the Gestapo, and the man, Johann Wenzel, was arrested. He was unable to withstand the torture and cooperated by releasing the radio codes which enabled the Germans to decipher the messages. One transmittal included the location of Libertas’s apartment.

Libertas was arrested in September 1942 eight days after Harro while on a train headed to see friends. Taken to Reich Security Main Headquarters in Berlin, the building that formerly housed the arts and crafts school where her father was rector. In December, she and Harro were “brought before the “Reich Court Martial” where they were tried for “preparation to commit high treason, helping the enemy, and espionage.” Found guilty, the couple was sentenced to death and were executed three days later on December 22, 1942.

Honored for her work, the chapel at Liebenberg Castle was named for her, and there are two “stumbling stones” at the front steps to the Castle for the couple. A memorial plaque hangs at Haus Altenburger Allee 19.

___________________

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and

women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state, immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors, and drinks copious amounts of tea.

Shetland Sunset

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fisherman who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

Distraught when the Germans overrun her beloved Norway, Tonje Bondevik refuses to take the occupation sitting down. She joins the fledgling resistance movement, deriving great satisfaction distributing the underground newspaper and performing acts of sabotage…until the day the Nazis come looking for her, and she must flee for her life. Perhaps she should have listened to the handsome Norwegian-American when he offered to take her to Shetland.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/4AWqJk

1 “The Heroic Couple Who Defied Hitler,” Phillipe Sands, The Spectator, August 6, 2020.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertas_Schulze-Boysen
https://lastwordonnothing.com/2013/02/18/the-sad-fate-of-libertas-schultze-boysen/
https://www.gdw-berlin.de/en/recess/biographies/complete-index/biographie-detail/view-bio/libertas-schulze-boysen https://tinyurl.com/38wsreh4
https://spectator.com/article/the-heroic-couple-who-defied-hitler/
https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/9355/Memorial-Libertas-and-Harro-Schulze-Boysen.htm
https://www.gdw-berlin.de/en/recess/topics/14-the-red-orchestra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Orchestra_(espionage)

Photo Credits:
Libertas: By Unknown author - https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/menschen/libertas-schulze-boysen-ein-weihnachtsengel-vor-der-hinrichtung-12000641/ich-bleibe-jung-in-eurem-12000645.html, Public Domain.
Libertas and Harro Schultze-Boysen: The German Resistance Memorial Center, Berlin
Memorial: Courtesy Traces of War

Eric Liddell - An Olympic Hero Who Ran His Last Race in a WWII Japanese Prison Camp

 By Mary Dodge Allen

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure."  - Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell at the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics (Public Domain)

Early Life:

Eric Henry Liddell was born in China on January 16,1902, where his parents - Rev. and Mrs. James Liddell - were serving as missionaries with the London Mission Society. In 1908, Eric's parents brought him back to England so he could begin his schooling. Eric joined his older brother Rob at Eltham College, a boarding school for the sons of missionaries in the Blackheath area of London.

Eric displayed his athletic talent at an early age, playing cricket and rugby at Eltham College. He became captain of both teams and earned the Blackheath Cup as the best athlete of his year.

1918 Eltham College Rugby Team, Eric Liddell as Captain, in center (courtesy of the Liddell family)

In 1920, Eric enrolled in the University of Edinburgh. While studying for a bachelor's degree in Pure Science, he excelled at rugby because of his speed as a sprinter. He eventually chose running over rugby and went on to win so many races, he became known as the fastest runner in Scotland. Newspapers even nicknamed Eric, "The Flying Scotsman." It was no surprise that he was chosen to be part of the 1924 British Olympic Team.

1924 Paris Summer Olympics:

Those who have seen the movie Chariots of Fire, (1982 Oscar for Best Picture), are familiar with Eric Liddell's dilemma. As a devout Christian, he withdrew from the 100-meter race (his best event) when he discovered the heats were scheduled on a Sunday.

The movie incorrectly showed Eric learning about the Olympic schedule as he traveled to Paris. In reality, he learned about it and announced his decision months in advance. The press created a furor, and some newspapers called him a 'traitor to his country' for pulling out of the 100-meter race - the one he was most favored to win.

Eric Liddell stayed true to his convictions, despite the public outcry. He told a friend, "It's just my belief. I don't criticize others about it, but I'm not going to run on the Sunday."

Eric trained, instead, for the Olympic 400-meter race.

On the morning of the race, he received a folded paper from one of the team masseurs, which read, "In the old book it says: 'He that honors me I will honor.'" It was a Bible quote - I Samuel 2:30. This note profoundly touched Eric, to know that someone other than his coach believed in him and his controversial decision.

Newly inspired, Eric began the 400-meter race with remarkable speed, flashing past the other runners. He retained this stunning pace throughout the race, finishing well ahead of the pack. Eric gave an amazing Gold medal performance that set a new Olympic/World Record time of 47.6 seconds. 

The London Times described it as, "probably the most dramatic race ever seen on a running track."

Eric Liddell crossing the 400-meter finish line, 1924 Paris Oympics (Public Domain)

Eric also earned a Bronze medal in the 200-meter race.

Homecoming:

When the team returned to England, Eric was treated like a hero. Huge crowds welcomed the Olympic team home, and Eric was cheered while being carried on the shoulders of his teammates. Eric Liddell teenage fan clubs were even formed.

Eric Liddell carried by his Olympic teammates. (courtesy of the Liddell family)

Eric could have become wealthy. He received offers to earn money by doing product endorsements, giving speeches and writing newspaper columns. He was also offered prestigious teaching assignments and lucrative positions in business and banking.

But Eric refused to cash in on his celebrity status, because he felt it would tarnish the gift God had given him to run fast. He chose to become a missionary in China, like his parents.

Mission Work in China:

In 1925, Eric returned to China. He taught science at the Anglo-Chinese College in Tianjin, near Beijing, and coached students in various sports. He also taught Sunday School at Union Church, where his father served as pastor.

He occasionally competed as a runner in China. He won both the 200 and 400-meter races at the 1928 South Manchurian Railway celebration, winning against the French and Japanese Olympic teams. He was also the winner in the 1930 North China championship.

Eric returned to Scotland twice, on furlough. During his first visit in 1932, he was ordained as a minister of the Congregational Union of Scotland. 

While there, he was asked if he had any regrets, leaving behind the fame of athletics. Eric replied:

"It's natural for a chap to think over all that sometimes, but I'm glad I'm at the work I'm engaged in now. A fellow's life counts for far more at this, than the other."

Eric and Florence Liddell on their wedding day. (courtesy of the Liddell family)

Eric returned to China, and in 1934, he married Florence Mackenzie, the daughter of Canadian Missionary parents. She remained by his side, doing missionary work.

Eric Liddell, working as a missionary in the field, 1937 (courtesy of the Liddell family)

In 1941, the British government advised British nationals to leave China because of the danger from the Japanese invaders. By this time, Eric had two young daughters, Patricia and Heather, and Florence was pregnant with their third child. Eric arranged for them to leave for Canada, where they would stay with her family members.

Eric elected to stay in China and help his brother Rob, a doctor serving impoverished families at a rural mission station. The need for medical care was critical, and missionaries worked round the clock, to the point of exhaustion. 

Rob became too ill to work and left on a furlough to Scotland. Eric and the others stayed on, doing whatever they could to help. When the Japanese troops reached the mission station, they took over.

Weihsien Japanese Prison Camp:

In 1943, Eric and other missionaries were interned at this camp, which held over 1500 civilian prisoners. An estimated 500 of them were children without parents.

Eric soon became active in the squalid camp, working in the kitchen, chopping wood, helping the elderly, leading Bible studies and teaching science to the children, who called him 'Uncle Eric.' He also organized softball games and track races for them. Every morning he woke early and spent time praying, even for the Japanese guards.

A camp survivor, Langdon Gilkey, said this about Eric:

"Often in an evening I would see him bent over a chessboard or a model boat, or directing some sort of square dance - absorbed, weary and interested, pouring all of himself into this effort to capture the imagination of these penned-up youths. He was overflowing with good humor and love for life, and with enthusiasm and charm. It is rare indeed that a person has the good fortune to meet a saint, but he came as close to it as anyone I have ever known."

By the end of 1944, fellow prisoners noticed Eric looked more weary than usual. He began walking stoop-shouldered, often becoming dizzy. Eric dismissed his symptoms and continued working.

Eric's Last Race:

Eric had regularly organized camp races, scratching the starting and finish lines in the hard earth. He usually started well behind the other racers, to give them a better chance. These races provided a morale boost for the entire camp. Even the guards in the watchtowers eagerly peered down to see the Olympic Gold-medalist run.

Eric won every race, except his last... where he came in second. Months of illness, overwork and malnourishment had sapped his strength. Eric died of a brain tumor on February 21, 1925, only five months before liberation.

His death stunned the entire camp. He was buried in a garden near the Japanese officers' quarters, and his grave was marked with a simple wooden cross.

Fellow missionary and friend Annie Buchan heard Eric's last words, before he sank into a coma and died. He said: "Annie, it's complete surrender."

Eric Liddell's Legacy:

Family Photo, 1941 (courtesy of the Liddell family)

L-R: Heather, Florence holding baby Maureen, Patricia Liddell.

Florence Liddell gave birth to their daughter, Maureen, while living with her family in Canada. Eric never got the chance to meet his third daughter.

The Eric Liddell Community was set up in Edinburgh, Scotland and granted charitable status in 1981. It is dedicated to bringing people in local communities together, supporting people of all ages to enhance health and well-being, as an expression of compassionate Christian values.

In 2002, Eric was one of the first to be inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, topping the public vote for the most popular sports hero Scotland had ever produced.

In 1991, the University of Edinburgh erected a memorial granite headstone for Eric at the former prison camp site in Shandong Province, (which is now called Weifang). Its inscription is taken from Isaiah 40:31: 

"They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary."

Eric Liddell never wavered in his Christian faith. He had surrendered his entire life to God and continued serving others to his dying day. He is someone I wish I had known.

________________

Mary Dodge Allen is currently finishing her sequel to Hunt for a Hometown Killer. She's won a Christian Indie Award, an Angel Book Award, and two Royal Palm Literary Awards (Florida Writer's Association). She and her husband live in Central Florida. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers. 

Website: www.marydodgeallen.com

Recent release, anthology devotional: El Jireh, The God Who Provides

Mary's story, entitled: A Mother's Desperate Prayer, describes her struggle with guilt and despair after her young son is badly burned in a kitchen accident. When we are at the end of all we have, El Jireh provides what we need. 

Click the link below to purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/El-Jireh-God-Who-Provides/dp/1963611608

Mary's novel: Hunt for a Hometown Killer won the 2022 Christian Indie Award, First Place - Mystery/Suspense; and the 2022 Angel Book Award - Mystery/Suspense.

Click the link below to buy Hunt for a Hometown Killer at Amazon.com:

Hunt For A Hometown Killer: A Novel: Allen, Mary Dodge: 9781952369704: Amazon.com: Books

Link to Mary's Spotlight Interview:   Mary Dodge Allen Author Spotlight EA Book

By Donna Wichelman

Readers of my blogs over the last year and a half know I've written on topics related to my Gilded Age historical romance series, the Singing Silver Mine series, which is based on characters who settled in Georgetown, Colorado, during its silver-mining heyday of the late nineteenth century. Known as the Silver Queen of the Rocky Mountains, Georgetown gained its fame from the abundant ores the surrounding mountains yielded to early miners who settled there. Yet, while Georgetown has received most of the glory over the years, its neighbor to the west, Silver Plume, has often been neglected, overshadowed by Georgetown's reputation.

Main Street, Silver Plume, Colorado: Donna's Gallery, June 2019

ID 394784059 | Colorado Silver Plume © Mkopka | Dreamstime.com

Though a meager amount of gold was discovered in the Territory of Colorado as early as 1850 by a group of Georgian prospectors heading west during the California Gold Rush, it wasn't until 1859, when George Jackson followed the Clear Creek gorge and found a significant amount of gold, that the rush was on in Colorado. Thousands from all over the world flocked to the Rocky Mountains to find their fortunes.

All seemed to point to a thriving region until the gold bubble burst in 1864, and the investment capital necessary to keep going never paid off in revenues. Many other investors pulled out.

Then, in the fall of 1864, three prospectors—Robert Steele, James Huff, and Robert Taylor—discovered an extremely rich silver lode called the Gus Belmont Lode eight miles south of Georgetown on Mount McClellan at 13,200 feet. They headed to Central City to have their samples assayed, discovering a preliminary value of $200 to $500 per ton. The silver boom was on.

ID 199624040 | Silver © Roberto Junior | Dreamstime.com

Once again, prospectors from every corner of the globe flocked to the region, and by September 1866, Clear Creek County was declared “indisputably” rich in ores by Central City’s Weekly Miners’ Register. Georgetown flourished, as clapboard buildings, housing, banks and business enterprises sprang up in a growing business district. Mining camps popped up everywhere--Bakerville, Brownville, Simplem, Silver Dale, and others. 

Historic Business District, Georgetown, Colorado: Donna's Gallery, December 2024

Finally, in 1869, two men, Charles A. Kimberlin and Col. Ambrose H. Bartlett from Doniphon County, Kansas, decided to establish a town in a small, wide spot in a valley half a mile east of the mines and buildings in Brownville and three miles west of Georgetown.

Things started slowly in Silver Plume, with Kimberlin constructing only one or two buildings in 1869, though one reporter was impressed by the completed work on a school building before finishing his own residence. (The original schoolhouse was a simple wood-frame structure that remained in use until the brick building we see today on Main Street was built in 1874.)

"View from Silver Plume, looking up." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1850 - 1930.NY Digital Library

Only a handful of buildings were built in 1870, but by the fall of 1870, they started to talk of building a hotel, and the town became known as Silver Plume.

By 1872, the town was up and running with a tightly packed commercial district, fifty to sixty residences, four to five hundred residents, and plans for a town government. In that same year, Silver Plume was incorporated.* See note below.

By the 1880s, the town grew quickly as silver mines proliferated in the mountains surrounding Silver Plume. Georgetown may have been the commercial center of Clear Creek County, but Silver Plume was also a cosmopolitan, multicultural, multilingual town comprising working-class miners and their families, a few merchants, and other entrepreneurs. At its peak, the population grew to well over two thousand people.

Original Road to the 7:30 Mine Trail: "Laden with ore from "Seven-thirty" mine, Silver Plume, Colorado." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 

Integral to the town's growth and importance to Clear Creek County's silver mining industry was the Silver Plume-Georgetown Loop Railroad. It enabled miners to efficiently move their silver nuggets to smelters and markets.

Completed in 1884 by the Colorado Central Railroad, the three-foot narrow-gauge railroad was one of the American West's greatest engineering feats, with a 640-foot elevation gain between Silver Plume and Georgetown. The railroad used loops, switchbacks, and a high bridge, called the Devil's Gate High Bridge, to gradually accomplish the elevation gain.

"Great loop of the Silver Plume, Colorado." The New York Public Library Digital Collections.

Unfortunately, the entire world fell into deep economic depression in 1893, and silver was devalued. Neither Silver Plume nor Georgetown recovered from the devaluation, and only a handful of mines survived.

Today, tourism keeps the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic District alive. Visitors can take a step back in history and ride the narrow-gauge train between Georgetown and Silver Plume, stopping to tour a mine on the Georgetown Loop, or walk the historic streets of Silver Plume and buy coffee in the old saloon. For the adventurous at heart, one can hike one of several trails up the surrounding mountains and view numerous ruined mines in the area. One of the most popular is the 7:30 Mine Trail, which is 3.5-mile round-trip trail to the restored 7:30 Mine. 

*Note: Silver Plume disincorporated in 1874, when they realized they weren't ready for self-rule, but incorporated again on August 19, 1880.

Georgetown Loop Railroad, Silver Plume: Donna's Gallery, Summer 1995

Donna Hiking the 7:30 Mine Trail and Stopping at an Old Abandoned Mine: Donna's Gallery, June 2019

Donna is an Angel-award-winning author of Historical fiction for A Song of Deliverance. Book Two in the Silver Singing Mine series, Rhythms of the Heart, was released in November 2025. Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna's love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys developing plots that show how God's love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, belonging, and forgiveness.

Donna was a communications professional before becoming a full-time writer. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published romantic suspense novels, Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, in her Waldensian Series. 

Donna and her husband of forty-one years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.

Going Out on a Limb - Arbor Day Around the Globe

Trees.

Life-giving, majestic, sentinels of time. We line driveways, create memorials, use as privacy buffers, climb on, hang from, and depend upon them for resources. They flourish in our books, movies, and Art of many mediums. Yet our thoughts and attention go deeper than the day-to-day applications. 

What is our fascination?

AI answered my question with the hypothesis that this “stems from a deep, multi-faceted connection, blending physical, emotional, and biological factors. Trees offer essential life-giving benefits (oxygen, shade, resources), possess calming aesthetic beauty, and foster a sense of grounding and permanence.” Additionally, AI surmised we benefit from reduced stress in their calming presence. I agree with the point that older trees “evoke a sense of history, wisdom, and stability.” The realization that trees communicate, share nutrients, and support one another adds to the wonder.

I am not alone in my fondness for trees. As a collective, the United States celebrates trees on Arbor Day. What I did not realize is that states declare this on different months and days. It makes sense as the seasons switch by region, and therefore planting parameters as trees burst forth in flower and unfurl their leaves at varying times.

On April 12, 1872, Nebraska City, Nebraska established roots of the very first Arbor Day. You can read the history in Carla Olson Gade’s post. After this historic event, other states joined the revelry. Now over 50 countries participate as well. Impressive that the efforts and initiative of one man in 1872 who addressed a need for trees in the barren plains of America spread across the globe. To date, over 500 million trees have been planted! (I read posts of an earlier celebration by Spain in 1594 but couldn't find a solid source or agreement of the location.)

From humble beginnings of shovels and hands, this day now monitored by The Arbor Day Foundation has scientific support and detailed planning. According to their website, they "use GIS mapping, environmental, socio-economic, and location data paired with local guidance to identify areas of greatest need." Combined efforts worldwide aid in replenishing this natural resource.

In honor of the upcoming Arbor Day on April 24th in Georgia, I would like to share some stellar trees we visited recently across the country. Join me at our first stop Point Defiance, Washington with its monumental trees. 

I'm not sure which specimen you see at left in all its stately glory. Below, left and right, say a hearty hello to Giant Sequoia ‘70437’ at 8.36m/27.43’ in girth and 39.02m/128.01’ tall. Goodness that is a lovely tree. Despite a document providing statistics on 22 of the resident trees, I could not find an estimated age. I queried and found it is probably relatively young at anywhere from 50-150 years. Sequoias can reach full height of nearly 250-300 feet. Can you imagine? I took the second photo at bottom right sheltered beneath its lacy limbs. Snuggled under the canopy, childhood stories danced in my thoughts. What a special spot.

  

There are many other old growth and interesting trees at Point Defiance. With each encounter, I wondered what they witnessed over the years. The people passing. Technology changing. From horses to horse and buggy, to cars, and eventually planes flying overhead. All the while the steadfast tree extends roots deep below and branches wide. Embracing our exhales and releasing a gift we often take for granted.

.
.

Our next stop is John's Island near Charleston, South Carolina. Wait until you see this Low Country Treasure. Estimated at over 400 years, this Live Oak Tree is 65 feet tall and about 28 feet around. It shades roughly 17,000 square feet of area. The longest branch is 187 feet! The caretakers of the Angel Oak supported some of its limbs and repaired others. Visitors flock to this mammoth tree each year in droves. The parcel now housing Angel Oak Park was part of a 1717 land grant to Abraham Waight. Later, in the mid-1800s, Justis and Martha Angel acquired the land. Hence the name Angel.

Do we even need words?


   

.  

Take a walk around the Angel Oak with me...

And another view...

Look at those limbs...

Our last stop is with the Patriot Tree at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. To be honest, this was a bonus. I had no idea we would cross paths with this sentinel. We visited our son last week and stopped to appreciate this 175 year old Live Oak. Imagine, this tree existed in this very spot before the Civil War changed the landscape. How's that for perspective?

That concludes our current tour. Which was your favorite? 

If you would like to read some prior posts featuring trees:

Liberty Trees
Trail Trees
Trail Trees II
Stave Churches, fashioned from trees and an old lilac tree to boot.

Rebecca and her husband share a townhouse with their rescued dog named Ranger, who is not spoiled in the least. They are enjoying a new season nestled in a quaint southeastern US city. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitte

Knitting and Spying by Nancy J. Farrier

 Do you like to knit? Do you have the nerve to knit in the middle of an enemy stronghold and work messages into your knitting to pass on to your country’s armed forces? That is what the women featured in today’s blog did during war time. I salute them for their bravery and determination. Let’s take a look at what they accomplished and how they alerted their forces using their needlework.

Knit/Purl Stitches by WillowW
Wikimedia Commons

First, keep in mind how knitting is done. There are two basic stitches. The knit stitch looks like a “v” and the purl stitch makes a small bump. Also, dropped stitches were used to make a hole. That means these patterns could have been read by feel in low light if needed. Plus, women were encouraged to knit and make items to help soldiers, so nothing was thought about a woman sitting in her window or in public with her knitting needles clicking away. Little did the opposition realize that she didn’t have to focus on her work, but could be watching and listening to later report conversations and movements. A perfect spy!

Phyllis Latour Doyle

Phyllis joined the RAF in 1941 after a friend was killed by Nazi soldiers. She planned to train to be an airplane mechanic but others noted her potential. Because her father was French, Phyllis grew up speaking fluent French and would be valuable as a spy behind lines. She agreed to become a spy and was trained by a cat burglar to do things like cross a roof top undetected.

1904 Picture of
Woman Knitting

At the end of her training, Phyllis parachuted into Normandy. She pretended to be a teenager to throw off suspicion. She traveled by bicycle and chatted with German soldiers. She would then go someplace secret, bring out her knitting and use one of her 2,000 codes to send a message. She would hide the knitted message by winding the strip around a knitting needle and inserting it in a hair tie. Each time she used one of the codes she’d been given she would mark the code, so she wouldn’t use it again.

Phyllis had to keep on the move. She would send her message and then go quickly before the Germans could trace the source of the message. They did not catch her. She often had to sleep on the forest floor unless she found some Allied sympathizers. She ate what food she could find and was often hungry, but she always had her knitting and her silk thread she used for her patterns.

In 2014, Phyllis was awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest decoration. She did not want to get this award but did it for her family. She was 93 at the time. Her family found out about her spy work in the late 1900’s when one of her sons read about her on the internet. She did not want to brag about the service she’d done for her country.

Madame Lavengle

WWI Ad for Knitting
By Marguerite Martyn
Wikimedia Commons

During WWI the Germans occupied her home putting her and her children at risk. Madame Lavengle did not quake in fear. Instead, she joined the resistance and used her knitting and her children to send coded messages right under the noses of the Germans in her home.

In an upper room, Lavengle sat at a window knitting. Every day she would sit there and knit. Such an innocent pastime, right? Meanwhile, she would tap her foot on the floor and her children below her would copy down the code she signaled with the tapping. The German Marshall in her home never suspected she was gathering and passing on information. Amazing.

Molly “Mom” Rinker

Molly Rinker owned a tavern during the Revolutionary War. She often had British soldiers in her town and in her tavern. She wanted to do something to help the Revolution, so she would go to the park and sit on a high hill or rock and knit. As she watched and listened, she would tie knots in her ball of yarn as a code. Then she would drop the yarn at a certain place for the Revolutionary soldiers to find. In this way, a woman in a lowly occupation, helped out her fledgling country. Thank you, Molly.

Binary Pattern by Kurt Pippen Fowler

Many people enjoy the art of knitting. With the onset of computer coding and languages, knitters learned to do patterns in binary language. When Morse code was invented, they used a variation of stitches to make the dot and dash for Morse code and sent messages that way. Knitting is so much more than making a pretty garment.

Do you knit? Do you do another type of needlework? Would you have been brave enough to be a spy? To be dropped behind enemy lines and send coded messages? Or to gather information right under the enemy’s noses? What a challenge and what amazing women.

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.