AC, GM
- Born
- 30 August 1912
Wellington, New Zealand - Died
- 7 August 2011
London, England - Occupation
- Servicewoman
- Alternative Names
- Forward, Nancy (married name)
- Website
- http://www.nzedge.com/heroes/wake.html
Summary
Nancy Wake, whom the Gestapo code-named "the White Mouse" was the Allies' most decorated servicewoman of World War II. The youngest of six children, Nancy Wake came to Australia with her parents when she was 20 months old. In the early 1930s she went first to England and then Paris as a freelance journalist and there met and married Henri Fiocca, a wealthy French industrialist. When the French government surrendered, after the German Army invaded in May 1940, Nancy Wake joined the French Resistance working as a courier and saboteur. For these 'special operations in France' Wake was awarded the George Medal (17 July 1945). Wake worked for the Intelligence Department at the British Air Ministry, after the war. She married John Forward, in 1957, before returning to Australia to live. In December 2001, Nancy Wake left Port Macquarie, New South Wales to live in Europe.
On 22 February 2004 Nancy Wake was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. The award recognises the significant contribution and commitment of Nancy Wake, stemming from her outstanding actions in wartime, in encouraging community appreciation and understanding of the past sacrifices made by Australian men and women in times of conflict, and to a lasting legacy of peace.
Nancy Wake moved to London to live in 2001. She died there, in Kingston Hospital on 7 August 2011.
I think Nancy Wake is about the most exciting lady I have ever read about.
Is she still alive and if so where? Can we have more publicity about her amazing war please, either film or book.
Diana Home - 21 July 2010, 12:57 AM EST
To my knowledge, Nancy Wake is still alive. There are many publications about her - click on 'Open All' for a list of just a few.
AWAP Administrator - 21 July 2010, 3:29 PM EST
she lives in australia at the moment.
Mikayla - 21 February 2011, 11:26 AM EST
What an incredible lady, is she still alive she must be 99 years old, where does she now live.
marty cobley - 15 June 2011, 10:33 AM EST
Nancy Wake is an extraordinary person who has been a great inspiration over the course of her lifetime. We could all take a lesson in life from her.
Rachael - 17 July 2011, 4:52 AM EST
A fabulous and intriguing character, one of the greats. Her passing is a sad loss to the history not only of this country, but of many nations. An extraordinary life, fully lived.
Walter Holt - 8 August 2011, 11:32 AM EST