SOE
“Set Europe Ablaze.”
With these words, U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill identified a new secret organization named the Special Operations Executive (SOE). The SOE, sometimes referred to as "the Baker Street Irregulars," was created in 1940, by Churchill and the Minister of Economic Warfare Hugh Dalton on July 22, 1940. Its mission was to conduct clandestine warfare behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied countries by encouraging and facilitating espionage and sabotage. The Camouflage Project examines French (F) section networks (or circuits) and SOE heads, agents, and code makers.
Behind the SOE
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Leo Marks
Head of SOE’s codes and cyphers
(b.1920-d.2001)
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Maurice Buckmaster
OBE; C de G
SOE F-section Head
(b.1902-d.1992)
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Selwyn Jepson
F-Section Recruiting Officer; British Author
(b.1899–d.1989)
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Vera Atkins
CBE, Légion d'Honneur, C de G
British Intelligence Officer; SOE F-section
(b.1908-d.2000)
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Select SOE Personnel - F Section
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Andrée Borrel
K.C.B.C., C de G, M.R.F
Code Name: "Denise"
Courier for Physician/Prosper circuit
(b.1919-d.1944)
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Brian Stonehouse
MBE
Code Name: "Celestin"
Wireless Operator intended for Detective
(b.1918-d.1998)
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Diana Rowden
MBE, Légion d'Honneur, C de G
Code Name: "Paulette"
Courier for Acrobat, Stockbroker/Prosper
(b.1915-d.1944)
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Francis Suttill
DSO
Code Name: "Prosper"
Organizer for Physician/Prosper circuit
(b.1910-d.1945)
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Henri Dericourt
Code Name: "Gilbert"
Movements Officer for Prosper circuit
(b.1909-d.1962)
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Lise de Baissac
MBE, Légion d'Honneur, C de G
Code Name: "Odile", "Marguerite"
Organizer for Scientist circuit
(b.1905-d.2004)
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Nancy Wake
MBE, CBE, George Medal, Légion d'Honneur, C de G,
Medaille de la Resistance, Medal of Freedom (US),
Companion of the Order of Australia
Code Name: "Helene", "The White Mouse"
Courier for Freelance circuit.
(b.1912)
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Princess Noor Inayat Khan
GC, MBE, C de G
Code Name: "Madeline"
Wireless Operator for Cinema/Prosper circuit
(b.1914-d.1944)
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Pearl Witherington
CBE
Code Name: "Marie"; "Pauline"
Courier for Stationer circuit, Organizer for Wrestler circuit
(b.1914-d.2008)
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Robert (Bob) Maloubier
Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, C de G
Code Name: "Paco"
Saboteur for Salesman circuit
(b.1923)
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Sonya Butt
MBE
Code Name: "Blanche"
Courier for Headmaster circuit
(b.1924)
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Sonia Olschanezky
Code Name: "Tania"
Courier and Administrator for Robin/Juggler circuit
(b.1923-d.1944)
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Vera Leigh
K.C.B.C.
Code Name: "Simone"
Courier for Inventor/Prosper
(b.1903-d.1944)
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Violette Szabó
G.C., C de G
Code Name: "Louise"
Courier for Salesman circuit
(b.1921-d.1945)
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