Women's Intelligence Network

Elvira Chaudoir (1911-1996), alias BRONX, deserves greater recognition for her work as a DOUBLE CROSS agent during the Second World War. Often portrayed as a spoilt bisexual socialite who took up secret deception work to escape boredom, Elvira was, in fact, clever, incredibly hardworking, and determined to help the Allies - unlike the majority of DOUBLE CROSS agents who were effectively 'turned' after being caught by the British. The multilingual daughter of a Peruvian diplomat accepted an invitation to work for British Intelligence, which trained her and despatched her to Vichy France, where it was hoped the Abwehr, German Intelligence, would approach her. The enemy duly recruited the British agent. Elvira communicated with her German handler in secret ink, sending a steady stream of lies, gossip and propaganda. During Operation FORTITUDE (1944), she sent a barrage of misinformation that convinced the Germans the Allied invasion would take place in the South of France. German troops were moved away from Normandy, the actual site of the planned invasion, weakening the enemy's defences and ultimately saving lives. After the war, Britain's most trusted and reliable agent retired to the South of France, where she ran a small gift shop. Shortly before Elvira's death, the veteran agent found herself broke. In 1995, Stella Rimington, the first female Director General of MI5, sent its former agent £5,000 with a note expressing her thanks for Elvira's wartime service, which was still remembered. #Herstory #spyhistory #HerSecretService #historywriters

Book Event News 📚 I am delighted to launch my debut book #HerSecretService in my home city of Lincoln on 30 October 2024 @WaterstonesLinc I will be interviewed by Dr Andrew Defty @adefty @UoLSPSS, who knows a thing or two about British Intelligence. A book signing will follow the discussion. It would be great to see you there! Booking details - waterstones.com/events/her-s… @wnbooks @orionbooks @NorthbankTalent @Waterstones @lincsblogger @LincsLive @BBCRadioLincs @BGUHistory @BGUMilitaryHist @BGULincoln @unilincoln @lincstoday @LincolnUK @SocLincsHist @LincolnRecSoc @ULHistory @histassoc #HistoryWriters #Herstory #spyhistory

I am delighted to share the beautiful cover of my debut book, Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence, published by @wnbooks @orionbooks on 24 October 2024. You can pre-order #HerSecretService ➡️amzn.eu/d/7L9o8Ho

Thanks for all your support on this ♥️ Not long to wait... * BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY 2PM * #spyhistory #HERstory