Code Name Pauline

Overview

Pearl Witherington Cornioley, one of the most celebrated female World War II resistance fighters, shares her remarkable story in this firsthand account of her experience as a special agent for the British Special Operations Executive (SOE). Told through a series of reminiscences—from a difficult childhood spent in the shadow of World War I and her family’s harrowing escape from France as the Germans approached in 1940 to her recruitment and training as a special agent and the logistics of parachuting into a remote rural area of occupied France and hiding in a wheat field from enemy fire—each chapter also includes helpful opening remarks to provide context and background on the SOE and the French Resistance. With an annotated list of key figures, an appendix of original unedited interview extracts—including Pearl’s fiancé Henri’s story—and fascinating photographs and documents from Pearl’s personal collection, this memoir will captivate World War II buffs of any age.

Reviews

“Told in ‘Pauline’s’ own no-nonsense words, this is an eye-opening look at what life was really like for a secret agent fighting in occupied France.” —Steve Sheinkin, award-winning author of Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon

“Code Name Pauline is the real deal—a treasure trove of primary source material.” —Margi Preus, author of the Newbery Honor–winning Heart of a Samurai and Shadow of the Mountain

“A must-read, not only for anyone fascinated by the underground war in France, but also for anyone who admires bravery and ingenuity in the face of evil.” —Brendan Foley, coauthor of Under the Wire

“Young adults and adults will be fascinated to read this memoir detailing a piece of neglected World War II history.” —Doreen Rappaport, author of the award-winning Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust

“A wonderfully vivid and engaging account. [I] loved it.” —Alex Kershaw, author of The Longest Winter

“Pearl Witherington’s fascinating memoir provides a concise yet illuminating account of some of SOE’s audacious activities in occupied France during World War II. Ideal for younger readers, or those new to the subject.” —Roger Moorhouse, author of Berlin at War and Killing Hitler

Author Biography