The Most Dangerous Spy of WW2 - The Limping Lady | True Life Spy Stories
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The year is 1942. The shadows of Vichy France, the Nazi puppet state, were crawling with danger. In Lyon, the third largest city in France, wanted posters started appearing on street corners. A rough sketch showed a woman’s face with sharp features and shoulder-length hair.
The Abwehr and the Gestapo relentlessly hunted the woman they knew only as “the limping lady”.
The woman in the poster was Virginia Hall, an American woman with a wooden leg and the unlikely mastermind behind the French Resistance in the south of France. The Gestapo's orders were clear and uncompromising: she was the most dangerous spy in the Allied forces, and they would stop at nothing to find and destroy her.
As the Gestapo closed in, the stakes grew ever higher. Would Virginia succeed in establishing a resistance network able to assist in the toppling of the German war machine, or would she be caught and the resistance crushed beneath the heel of the Third Reich?
#spystories #ww2 #virginiahall
Sources and further reading 📚: (affiliate links) 🛒:
📕 A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell - amzn.to/3xJ7M7y
📘 Wolves at the Door: The True Story Of America's Greatest Female Spy by Judith Pearson - amzn.to/3KpP9NQ
📗 S.O.E.: An outline history of the special operations executive 1940 - 46 by M.R.D Foot - amzn.to/3IjrhIO
Other spy books you may enjoy 📚: (affiliate links) 🛒
📕 Next Stop Execution by Oleg Gordievsky - amzn.to/3oQPA7U
📘 The Spy and the Traitor by Ben McIntyre - amzn.to/3SniRVh
📕 Farewell: The Greatest Spy Story of the Twentieth Century - amzn.to/3J1u1wC
📘 The Widow Spy by Martha Peterson - amzn.to/3GY0lh5
📕 Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA's Spytechs, from Communism to Al-Qaeda - amzn.to/3ZVT1LO
I just finished reading the book. “A Woman of No Importance “, what an incredible American hero. She was a woman that paved the way for Women to hold important positions in The State Department and forced open doors of business for disabled citizens. We all owe Virginia a thank you for every life she saved in WW II. Peace and Light to your Soul Virginia, if we can serve Democracy one tenth of what you did, we have lived a positive existence. ❤️🇺🇸🇫🇷🇬🇧❤️
Ditto... that book was one of the best I've read in my entire life.
@@smokeykitty6023 Am reading again for 2nd time. phenomenal woman!
Unfortunately, Democracy in America and Europe is almost none existent. The socialists and muslims are taking over Europe and the democRAT socialist and communists are taking over The United States. All the hard work and sacrifice by the greatest generation will soon be all for nothing.
@@aviemore393 True wonderful story particularly the escape to Spain, over the mountains on foot ......with a wooden leg ........ Only to be told to go back to Northern France remarkable tale
That book was a wonderful read! What an incredibly brave, intelligent and inspiring woman! She did not let anyone or anything stop her!
I worked with Virginia in the CIA in the early sixties. She was a wonderful woman and few knew about her exploits.
She had so much to offer and was not really allowed.
Wondering if you knew Rona Geib?
@@anthonystoetzer3058 I did. I was in the CIA for 20 years
There are so many who gave everything including their lives. It is pleasing to hear and know there were some who lived to see the freedom they so fiercely fought for, thank you for your unselfish service Ms Virginia. Unselfish acts often go un noticed especially by those who sort no notoriety. This valiant women lives on through these two books and this much appreciated documentary.
You don't know her 😂😂😂😂 shut *p!!!
They don't teach this in schools. One of the most important agents in France during WW2 has been almost forgotten. What a travesty! This woman, Virginia Hall was the bravest of the brave and gave hope to all those living under tyranny that they are not forgotten. Dear sweet Virginia, I promise I will never forget you or your heroic works. God bless you in heaven!
She was a woman.
@@schelliegris7481 Schellie -- Virginia Hall, the "Limping Lady" was a woman among women.
We spent a lot of time learning about traitors of WW2, like Lord HaHa and Tokyo Rose. The only heroes they want to talk about, Winston Churchill, the King of England, Dwight D Eisenhower, Montgomery, Charles de Gaulle, George Patton and Romel. More or less in that order, now if you talked to my great uncle who was in the European Theater. He would have said Patton. All the way
@@dianecheney4141 Diane -- You missed out a closing sentence....... "That is why it is so refreshing to hear about unsung heroines like Virginia Hall." I would love the GCSE History exam (in the UK for Year 11 students) to include questions which highlighted the exploits of this fearless organiser and spy.
@@LaHayeSaint Englands Wat Secrecy Act just ended about ten years ago. So people who worked in intelligence are just now being able to speak about what they used to do. If you watch Bletchley Square and then After Bletchley Square it will give you an idea about how people couldn’t speak about their service. In Endeavor, when they ask him what he did in the service he says he was a signal man, which is a ridiculous cover
The biographical book “Woman of No Importance” is stunning. For her chosen career, She overcame an unbelievable physical disadvantage with no less courage than those on the frontline, not to mention her intelligence and ability to maintain her cool in serious life and death situations, saving countless people and gathering/dispersing invaluable intelligence in WW2. Oh, and she crossed the mountains walking - on foot - in deep winter snow - with a clumsy and heavy prosthetic leg. She should be celebrated.
I had read she crossed the Pyrenees on foot 3 times. What an amazing, courageous and tough woman.
And she was a woman in man's world and a man's war.
She lived 20 or 30 lives worth of living- all the while helping others. bravo madam.
Hello 👋how're you doing?
Very well said.
..understatement, still, i think..
Someone should make a movie about her. She's a real super hero.
I absolutely agree strong determined woman absolute heroine of the time
@@maryferguson9442 it’s not as good as the book and historical accounts of her in other collections on Resistance fighters.
@@maryferguson9442 what’s the name of it?
@@theurbanartist775 A call to Spy, released 2020
They did, it’s a vignette of several allied women spys of WWII. Meh, it was ok. Read the book, “A Woman of No Importance”, it’s much better than any movie.
It's so important that these stories are out and being told. People have no idea how terrible tyranny is, and seem to embrace it. We never learn. But hopefully, there will always be people with this amount of courage. Freedom really is never free.
What an amazing story of a woman I had never even heard about! It’s almost unbelievable that she could have survived as a spy, especially with only one leg!!!! A true hero!!!!
WHAT a STORY. Why has it taken me 76 years to hear of this fabulous woman. Thank you!
Why has it taken me 77 years??? I suppose that it's because we hard working women now have the time to read more history...
Thank you Madam for your courage and your love for my country, France. I didn't know about your heroic life. You are one of those women I admire, such as Noor Inayat Khan who fought with the French Resistance, also a member of the SOE but who was arrested, tortured and murdered by the Gestapo. Another famous American, Josephine Baker, a huge music-hall artist, had joined Free France. This generation of exceptional women and men, to which my father, Resistance fighter, arrested and tortured by the Gestapo, Buchenwald survivor, belonged, is a model for all of us. They were all heroes and above all, because of their humility and modesty, we must never forget them.
Don't forget Nancy Wake. She was an SOE agent from New Zealand. Her story is very heroic and similar to Virginia's.
@@91Redmist m
And Violette Szabo. You cannot not know of her!
@@91Redmist Though she had moved to Oz, as a teenager, I think and left Australia to end up in France, in love.
We need more women like them in present days.
“A Woman of No Importance “ is a fascinating bio of Ms. Hall’s life. Highly recommend it.
Indeed.
I second the book “ A Woman of No Importance”. A very good read.
A movie, "A Call to Spy"is about Virginia and other women who answered the call to fight the Nazis. We just rewatched the movie because I saw this channel. Thank you for sharing this. She was a courageous, patriotic woman.
Yes, an excellent film indeed!
Thanks. I just put it on my watch list.
What an amazing woman and patriot Virginia Hall was! She deserves not only a movie, but all the medals and accolades her bravery warrants.
When people talk about "making a difference with your life" THIS is what they mean. I salute you Virginia. Countless people who are alive today would not have even been born (and their grandchildren) if it was not for your dedication and courage. You can have the Hollywood types, you I'll take your fortitude and bravery EVERY time. You deserve to be remembered
I have to agree with you , your comment really cuts to the quick . Virginia Hall really was an extraordinary woman in extraordinary times . How she survived is a miracle . Honour & Respect . Lest we forget .
I agree!
Do people of this caliber still exist? I truly hope that courageous men and women do. They are needed in these times.
You might be one of them if you so choose.
People like that are very rare. Perhaps one in a million have all the qualities required.
you are right。
Her courage to confront evil with her intelligence is simply epic.
What a brave and determined great lady. The world needs a lot more people like Virginia in times of need. An incredible human being to say the least.
As a Marylander, who grew up not far from Virginia, I'm shocked she wasn't part of our history class. Should my Granddaughter have to write a book report, I'm suggesting it be all about Virginia Hall. What an extraordinary and exciting life to have lead, she would have been an amazing President
I'm a retired junior high teacher here in Alberta, and I'd fit this feisty trooper into my curriculum in a New York minute!!
@@janm2473 She would have sent a powerful message little girls around the world.
She makes me proud of my MD roots. Can't believe I didn't learn about her in school either.
From this story, I doubt she would have been a good president, I think it would have been too boring for her. She hated desk jobs, and let's face it, president is a desk job. She thrived on the clandestine operations where she led her way. She would probably have irritated most "politicians." And, did not appear to relish public life. No, I think she was perfect for the job she did.
...if she had been a man :). No female president yet (2023).
I am stunned by her Loyalty, Determination against all odds, her Discretion, her, "Well Everything." I'm so glad you have told her story diligently. Bravo, or Viva Virginia Hall ! Hero !❤
What a wonderful and brave woman she was. Thank you for sharing this story. It also showed how prejudice the CIA was at the time against a woman who had showed how competent she was and who had saved so many lives during the war and on top of that was unfortunately handicapped having lost a leg. You have my vote girl! How many men would have taken on this in that state during WW2?
And after war, very misogynistic!
The photo of her as an adult shows strong determination, cleverness and confidence. Amazing woman, Ms. Hall. May she always be remembered for her important work, bravery and deep humility.
She is a rare person who knew early on what is her mission in life and went about making it so!
As a child at the time, I too wanted to do a bit to help the French. I lived on a farm, I did farm chores. I could carry a message? Didn’t speak French, that didn’t bother me. I wanted to do something! Our generation!
You are counted among the Decent! Thank you for your courage and contribution to free France!
I have read two books on her and I have nothing but admiration for her and her bravery. And because of the times she was not hailed as the hero she was.
I wish they would make a movie or TV series about her. I’m glad I stumbled upon this content.
They did. Watch "A Call To Spy"
she is, if not, worth more than million dollar spy. Kudos to her and many spy women for their will and competence.
Should read the books about Nancy Wake, Gestapo named her the 'White Mouse'! And she actually killed german military and did some incredible stuff, her efforts saw the awarding of many honors from the USA France England and Australia where she was from, although she was born in New Zealand the grandaughter of a Maori princess.
Yes, I love her strength and your little Westie? In your profile picture!
@@cdd4248 hahaha thats my pup!
Incredible.. awesome..
this 40 minutes documentary has enough material for at least 4 thriller movies and Virginia's life could make a verrrrrry interesting series. This incredible woman needs recognition!!!!!
There are no words to describe Virginia's courage,her persistence to her various jobs in the face of odds, her remarkable ingenuity to succeed against insurmountable problems,her ability to establish a successful communication network while under immense danger of being discovered during the occupation of France,her passion in what she believed to be right and to see the job through paying attention to every detail of planning and its execution.There are very few who can come close to what she achieved.She gracefully refrains from being publicly acknowledged by her important role which highly paved the way for so many victories during WW2.Hers is a story of which legends are made of and will always be an inspiration to many.
Talk about courage .Brilliant. Being decorated by these many nations ! So fantastic ! She lovingly cared for her people. The lives she helped to save: Immense.
What a lady. What a tremendous human being.
What a woman! What a HERO!
Couldn't agree more. Her name and story should be taught in all History classes around the world.
Incredible true story! I truly enjoy history and learning about WWII, but had never come across this woman's amazing story. Now I have to locate the books so I can read all about her. Its too bad these accounts are not shared in high school nor college. Thank you for sharing this account.
One of the toughest people I've ever heard of
True dedication and heroism,overcoming not just the barriers women faced back then but her phisical limitation! They should tell that story in history books
This is riveting watching! I stumbled on this video by accident but once I listened for a few minutes I was immediately hooked! What a fantastic story about an incredible woman
A WWII hero at least. Fascinating, the nerve of these people against the SS and the Gestapo is stunning.
So good to hear this story. Especially that she wasn't captured 😁. Remarkable woman
I read the Wolves at the Door years ago and just had to get reacquainted with this Hero. She represents the courage necessary to uphold the values of humanity worldwide.
As an amputee, I watched the film, “A Call to Spy” because Virginia Hall was one as well. What an awe inspiring lady she was. The film is very good, but hardly does her justice. Everyone should watch it. I will be trying to find the book.
An inspirational, courageous individual who showed such bravery despite her disability. Have researched SOE and resistance for over 20 years.
What a capable, courageous and efficient leader. A classic case of lions led by donkeys in the upper hierarchy. She should have received much clearer international recognition. Thank you.
Glad she finally got her recognition a few years back
This was an excellent summary of Virginia Hall’s life and career. I have read and reread “A woman of no Importance “ several times. It is a gripping well-written account of her wartime efforts in Face, and I highly recommend it. She is one of my hero’s and I think she should be better known by all Americans for her contributions and her bravery.
Virginia was awarded the French Croix De Guerre, the British MBE, and the American DSC for her service.
Jean you are fortunate indeed to have known Virginia Hall personally. Like you, I had never heard of her until now. And yes indeed, a movie about her is long overdue, based on the book "A Woman of no Importance". Her name should be up in lights.
A call to Spy...2019
I wonder if she ever came across the very famous Nancy Wake, nicknamed the 'White Mouse' by the Gestapo and was hunted for relentlessly but she never got caught, although her French husband was taken prisoner and murded by the Nazi.
Thank you so much for this video.... we need more of these unsung heroes to come alive today.... so much inspiration. Well done Virginia Hall - may there be a special place in heaven for you!
She was one hell of a brave lady,for her undercover work during ww2!! Was never captured, went on to work for the CIA following ww2,but sadly never received the promotion ,recognition she so deserved,during her lifetime!! Many years later,she finally received some recognition. 😢
This is a beautiful hommage to Virginia Hall and her contribution to the resistance. However, let's not forget that the resistance was comprised of many different networks that included dozens of women who did an incredible job, many of whom losing their lives doing it. Thanks to the hundreds men and women who worked tirelessly and so courageously to help free France.
She was one TOUGH COOKIE! I'm wondering if anyone has ever made a movie about her life. Her story is an amazing one!
Another extraordinary female off the war years. Virginia joins the list which includes Odette Sansom, Lise De Baissac, Nancy Wake, Doris Bohrer, Violet Szabo, and many other brave women, some survived, many sacrificed their lives. I've read a couple of books on some but all their stories should be told. I don't know if I would have the courage or ability to undertake what they did or to survive tortures and interrogations as some did. Remarkable!!
Unbelievable story. My life is enriched learning about Virginia Hall and I want to pass this on to my grandchildren . I’m so grateful I came across this video and can’t wait to read the book! Thank you!!!
What a wonderful human being. Thank you for sharing this amazing story of a courage’s woman.🇬🇧❤️
Hello how are you doing?
She is so smart so brave ! Omg while watching the story , many times I felt my heart jumped so fast like you watch the war move !!! She is my hero …. I am so glad to see she was safe in the end . What a relief
WOW what an amazing story and a amazing woman. what's sad is i'm sure that most do not know of her and damn sure should. New sub here. love the history
WOW- what a women! What a hero! What an inspiration to women everywhere.
An amazing woman and someone I had not heard of before. A true hero and one that should be known and talked about. True girl power.
What an exceptionally brave & amazing woman . . .Handicapped, but still performed her mission successfully well that no other women can. . .These are actual events during WW2 Nazi's invasion of France.
Adorable character... What a brave lady..!!! I am so touched..
I was raised by women like her, there were lots of them that lived through the Great Depression and WW2. I was born in 1950 and most women I knew were very strong and independent. There were a few that weren’t and as I look back I feel sorry for them, their husbands weren’t very nice to them. But just a few, most were tough and liberated. In my family and friends and people I knew.
I was also born in 1950. I was raised as a southern lady. Funny I don’t feel that way inside but still have obvious attachment to it.
I was born in 1950 to parents who survived the depression and ww2. My mother was strong and independent because she had to be. My earliest memory is mother insisting her daughters be educated and have a profession so that we could support ourselves if ever necessary. We did, but I never managed to develop her strength. ❤
@@flopsymopsy7088 That’s how my parents were, they insisted on education, without question.
What a woman...what an adventurer and what a hero.
Wisdom at its peak! A true Patriot.
Brave Brave Lady theirs not enough recognition for these ladies let’s just not forget them I had not heard about this Lady before U/K .
My God. What a brave woman. Was a little boy when she was active. Wish I could have met her! RIP...we are still and forever in debt to you!
Excellent documentary!! Well done! Lively pace. Pleasant Voice. Concise info!! Thank you!! Keep up the good work! So happy I found you!!
Agree with you 💯
There is a book called 'Dirty Dozen'. Reading her sucess in helping a dozen resistance warriors escape to London,She should be also known as ' A Single Dozen Lady.'
Thank you, Virginia may you rest in peace. ❤
Definitely deserving of greater recognition. Full of respect and admiration for all these undercover agents. For someone to carry on despite being already recognised as a woman with a limp and quite an accurate photo fit, almost crazy. Really courageous ❣️
Great production. Thank you for not adding a bunch of dramatic music and stuck to a great narrative lecture.
As a French born : thanks and gratitude and hommage to her BUT she was not the only leader of the Résistance in southern France.
You don't have to give a compliment just to qualify it. Let me help you. Instead of "BUT", just add a period.
@@Bebe-ch8zk in case, you didn't understand : i was emphasising my words, period is not my style.
Tell one story at a time
@@jasonwiley798 and use the right words to tell it.
Thankyou so much for a well presented piece. Bravo ,sir.
I loved reading "A Woman of No Importance" several years ago. Would be a great movie - maybe Cate Blanchette?
YES
Salute to the unsung bravery of this great resistance fighter A life worth celebrating Very inspiring
Another great story of heroes. ❤ I love this content and am striving to continue soaking up knowledge of substance in my cyber searches.
I spoke with Virginia Hall once. We took a class together. I made the comment that it was just like management to send me someone with a wooden leg. She laughed and said "I have a wooden leg". We both had a good laugh at that one.
How can one of the greatest heroes of her time be so unknown? Her courage is unbelievable.
Some saw the fact that she was a woman with a physical disability as a detriment. Luckily she saw those facts as assets. Virginia, you are a combination of guts, honor, beauty & persistence. Even though I read the book about her, seeing this video brought her life into detailed focus. Thank you.
This is so well done it feels like what the History channel once was. Excellent work!
What an amazing woman. I can't wait to read the two books mentioned in the video.
Her role cannot be overstated, not "understated".
Loving these videos!! This channel definitely deserves more subscribers. Keep up the awesome work, I appreciate you.
What a legendary life she has !!! I feel very small in front of limping lady. Ms Respectable Virginia Hall, your name will be always remembered in my deepest heart.
A really brave and tremendously strong willed woman. Well done, ma'am for fighting the evil Vichy and Nazis. Rest in Peace.
What a treasure she was. A true hero! Thank you for sharing her story. ❤
Omg! What a life! There aren’t enough words to praise her!
we urgently need such truthful characters today again...
She IS A HERO WORTH GIVEN A PROPER HONOR AND RESPECT!! Salute to you. Virginia.. your a child SHOULD EVER BE PROUD OF YOU.
Modern feminists look and learn ! This is pure gold girl power. Amazing brave lady.❤
Modern feminists cannot hold a candle to her.
With such extraordinary women like Virginia Hall and Nancy Wake , Hitler's chances of triumph were undoubtedly curtailed . They deserve the unmitigated gratitude of all free people .
A LIFE LIVED WITH PURPOSE!!!THESE WAR STORIES ARE OF REAL SUBSTANCE...SO MUCH MORE ADMIRABLE THAN THE LIFETIME LOVE STORIES...GOOD JOB UTUBE !!!👍
22:39 - a plan described as "dying on the vine" is typically referring to something completely viable, there for the taking, ripe, delicious, and within reach... yet going frustratingly, disappointingly unused. That was a plan that fell apart due to circumstances. I love the video though!
Aha, thanks for that! I have been using it wrong for many years... Now I know!
Thank you for sharing this incredible story of an enourmous courageaous women. I guess that not many man could have done what she has done for our freedom. Hats of to her.
Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job making it easier for viewers to better understand what the orator was describing. Historians did an excellent job of presenting actual facts from fiction. Class A research project. Orator presented the documentary very well!!! Special thanks to espionage agent Virginia Hall along with civilian resistance.assisting her & allied associates. Whom knew their capture ment torture and death. If they were lucky. Being sent to Nazi concentration camp. Was the ultimate punishment. Without their selfish/timeless efforts. This documentary would not have been possible!!!
These guys escaping are like a real life hogan's heroes
Fantastic story of a brave but humble lady!
I first learned of her story in the book Resistance Women which is told from more of a historical fiction pov! Its a great read. Thanks for the informative video :)
Absolutely incredible God Bless her soul thank you🙏👍🏻
I am surprised by the fact that Virginia wasn’t an American Hero of World War two
Hello 👋how are you doing?
@@franklinstephen3268 Hello I am well and you?
@@rebeccaweil1 I'm doing great as well, it's nice meeting with you here. Where are you texting from?
Thanks, I love true historic clips! I saw a movie about her. Thanks from a Luther College historian at Decorah,Iowa College..
What an amazing heroine. Her story deserves wider fame and acclamation. She deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the civilian counterpart to the Congressional Medal of Honor).
“Average student” but with brilliant skills