Nancy Wake

Date of Birth: August 30, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: August 7, 2011

Biography

Nancy Grace Augusta Wake, known as the “White Mouse,” was a New Zealand-born French Resistance fighter during World War II. Born on August 30, 1912, in Wellington, New Zealand, she grew up in Sydney, Australia. In the 1930s, Nancy moved to Europe, where she worked as a journalist and witnessed the rise of Adolf Hitler and the atrocities committed by the Nazis. When World War II broke out, Nancy joined the French Resistance and became one of the Gestapo’s most wanted individuals. Her fearless activities included aiding downed Allied airmen, sabotaging German installations, and leading guerrilla attacks. Nancy’s incredible courage and resourcefulness earned her numerous decorations, including the George Medal from the United Kingdom, the Médaille de la Résistance from France, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States. After the war, Nancy returned to Australia and later moved to England, where she lived out her final years. She passed away on August 7, 2011, in London, England, at the age of 98.

5 Interesting Facts about Nancy Wake

1. Nancy Wake was nicknamed the “White Mouse” by the Gestapo due to her ability to evade capture.

2. She was one of the most decorated Allied servicewomen of World War II.

3. Nancy once killed an SS sentry with her bare hands to prevent him from raising the alarm during a raid.

4. She worked as a journalist in Paris and witnessed early Nazi activities firsthand.

5. Nancy parachuted into France in 1944 to aid the French Resistance, despite having no previous parachute training.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nancy Wake

1. “Freedom is the only thing worth living for. While I was doing that work, I used to think it didn’t matter if I died, because without freedom, there was no point in living.”

2. “I hate wars and violence, but if they come, then I don’t see why we women should just wave our men a proud goodbye and then knit them balaclavas.”

3. “I had a lot of fun. And I enjoyed every minute of my life.”

4. “I was never afraid. I was too busy to be afraid.”

5. “The only thing I am really proud of is that I never let the enemy get hold of me.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nancy Wake did not amass significant wealth; she dedicated her life to service and resistance. Her net worth was not publicly documented, but her legacy is invaluable.