A Code Poem For The French Resistance -- Leo Marks

Guest poem sent in by Vikram Doctor
(Poem #197) A Code Poem For The French Resistance
  The life that I have is all that I have
  And the life that I have is yours.
  The love that I have of the life that I have
  Is yours and yours and yours.

  A sleep I shall have
  A rest I shall have,
  Yet death will be but a pause,
  For the peace of my years in the long green grass
  Will be yours and yours and yours.
-- Leo Marks
One of those absolutely simple poems that one simply absorbs - I don't
remember ever memorising this, I just read it in an anthology and I've never
been able to forget it. What I'd like to know - which is partly why I'm
putting this out - is a bit about who the author was and when was it
written? And was it really for a purpose like the Resistance? Anyone who can
tell me a bit more about the poem or the poet please write in.

Vikram

85 comments:

  1. This poem was written to allow resistance operators to transmit safely
    from France during the 2nd World War.It was given initially to Violet Szabo
    who worked for the resistance until her capture and eventual execution in
    Ravensbruck.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I saw Leo Marks recently on the BBC, he talked about this poem and it's use
    by the resistance. I thought that he said the poem was written in memory of
    a sweetheart killed at an early age, whilst doing military service in Canada

    ReplyDelete
  3. Recently discussed on BBC Radio.

    Leo Marks wrote some 500 poems to be used as code cyphers, and kept them in
    a 'ditty box' - which he regrets disappeared.

    This poem was given to Violette Szabo, and appears in a film about her
    resistance activities, called "Carve her name in stone". I remember nothing
    of the film, other than the two powerful scenes - one where she is taught
    this poem, and the ending scene, her execution. (I believe the poem is read
    in a voice over, pull back, fade and credits).

    ReplyDelete
  4. The film was 'Carve Her Name With Pride'

    In his book 'Between Silk And Cyanide' Leo Marks explains how he agreed
    for the poem to be used in the film so long as the author's name wasn't
    revealed.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The story behind the creation of this poem is detailed in Leo Marks' book,
    "Between Silk and Cyamide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945" Free Press. Mr.
    Marks at age 22 began working for the SOE and created secret codes for the
    agents dropped into Europe. This book take a bit of commitment to read, but
    the reader will be absorbed and rewarded.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Leo Marks describes how this most beautiful poem came to be written in his
    book, "Between Silk and Cyanide". This book is a "must read' and amplifies
    what little knowledge we have of those incredibly brave people who fought the
    war as secret agents. Bravo, Mr. Marks, you've done them proud!

    ReplyDelete
  7. There are some pieces of poetry which become, almost from the moment of their
    creation, immortal, unforgettable and somehow tightly wrapped around the very
    core of your being: this is such a poem.

    James Rae

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bob Marshall was right, this poem was originally written for Leo Marks'
    fianc=E9e, who died tragically in a plane crash. After he became
    involved in the SOE, he gave it to Violet Szabo to use as a code poem.
    Leo Marks has since remarried. I think this is probably one of the most
    simple yet heartfelt poems I have ever read.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The interesting other connection (I believe) with Leo Marks, who wrote
    this poem, was that he was connected with the Bookshoop at 84 Charing
    Cross Road (owned by his father?) that featured in the exchange of
    letters between the bookshop and Helene Hanff. This became a book and
    latterly a play and film.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Since first hearing this poem in the film "Carve her name with pride" quite
    a few years ago I have never forgotten it. I have always been curious as
    to the author and was surprised and pleased to find this information on the
    web. I was more surprised to find the author's name, as Marks was my
    maiden name. I shall go to the Library to find more books/poems by Leo
    Marks.
    Direct Line:Fax:

    ReplyDelete
  11. James Rae is absolutely right. I heard this poem as a voice-over-melody, maybe taken from the film, I don't know. But the very first time I heard it way back in the early seventies it seemed to penetrate right through into my innermost being. It always speaks to me of a sorrow beyond all knowing and a truth beyond all understanding. For me it breathes the very rhythm of all that is eternal and in this way, perhaps, it transcends its own self. There are many poems I love but there is none that has ever affected me so profoundly as this code-poem has.

    Garry Bannister

    ReplyDelete
  12. To clarify some of the comments on "The Life That I Have", having just
    re-read "Between Silk and Cyanide" for the 4th or 5th time...

    * Leo Marks composed this in 1943, for his fiancee who was (as stated)
    killed just before Chrsitmas 1943 in an plane crash while training in
    Canada. She was a God-daughter of Charles Hambro, one of his superiors.
    * "Between Silk and Cynaide" *is* a "must-read", and requires no
    "commitment" as one person stated. On the contrary, is is a joy to read and
    unputdownable! Everyone to whom I has has lent the book now have their own
    copies (they didn't even nick my copy!). How many books can you say that
    about? IMHO it's the best book I bought in a decade - as simple as that!
    * Yes, his father owned 84 Charing Cross Road, and Freud visited several
    times, researching his book on Moses.
    * Marks wrote the film script for "Peeping Tom", which has since been hailed
    as a classic (but was withdrawn at the time because it was criticised as
    being deviant - it also halted the career of the director Michael Powell for
    14 or so years.
    * He was also the voice of Satan in "Last Temptation of Christ"
    * He was divorced in 2000, shortly before he died in 2001
    * The poem featured was *only* given to Violet Szabo (not just initialliy)
    as agents were not allowed to use the same poem or text as any other agent
    had ever used.

    Another poem featured in Marks' book goes:
    Is De Gaulle's prick
    Twelve inches thick?
    Can it rise
    To the size
    Of a proud flag-pole?
    And does the sun shine
    From his arse-hole?

    It was written by a group of FANYs who were asked to create poety, and
    somehow I doubt it'll find it's way onto your pages, but it may give you a
    smile. Marks' comments were: "the imagary was unusual, the words easy to
    memorise, and the content not at all what the enemy would be expecting. I
    asked him to tell the girls I was absolutely delighted with it and looked
    forward to receiving the rest."

    Quite.

    Hope this is interesting to you.

    James Ingram
    (yes, that IS my real name, no I don't sing and I can't put you in touch
    with any record companies, but feel free to send me money)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Poignant, emotive, wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  14. please critique my work from a thanksgiving 2000 journey to ft de nogent
    #14201: ( many before my time have sought to join the foreign legion ..and
    for a brief moment the only thought was how I never cheated anyone other
    than death ).

    I Cheat Death

    Amidst the anachronist..
    Fort de Nogent stands.
    Vacant only to the legionnaire..
    Beau geste erands.

    The sculpted figure in kepi blue,
    Enter through the electric iron gate.
    Render your passport Marine ancienne..
    The age board shall debate.

    Alone behind thick stone walls...
    hard tables and no windows.
    Cold as a dirge..the only words...
    I cheated death.

    ReplyDelete
  15. thanks for posting my poem..I Cheat Death...the theme of your online site is
    in itself anachronistic as there are few if any today whom carry the
    discipline of the french resistance..we can only hope history is learned and
    not repeated.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I remember this poem in the film Carve Her Name With Pride. I was struck by
    its simplicity and of the beauty in its sadness as it promises eternal love.
    It may have been used as a code but the essence is of an experience lived.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Violet Szabo couldn't memorise the poem she was given, try as she might, and asked to be given another one. Marks gave her this one which she loved and memorised quickly. By altering words and their place in the lines when she transmitted home they knew certain things about her mission. They knew by the last transmission that she was about to be arrested.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Leo Marks' abilities were remarkable and the poem "The life that I have..." is beautiful - the irony being that he knew that the act of using this , although not as dangerous as the faar better known works which agents were allowed to use was still extreme and in fact would almost certainly result in detection by the Germans because poem codes were so easy to break.
    Mr Marks' book was quite delightful and the thing which I find frustrating is that it is almost impossible to find out anything about his life after SOE.
    I was sorry to hear of his divorce and his death. The world is a poorer place without him.
    Violette Szabo has always saddened me because I do not think that she ever recovered from the death of her husband and in a way almost embraced her fate when she and her organiser Phillipe Liewer were confronted. It was brave of her to give covering fire which allowed him to escape. It would have been better had she reacted in a rather more low-key manner which might have resulted in her surviving. But I am not sure that this was what she wanted - like many women who were given an unique opportunity to act in an "unfeminine" way by the circumstances of war, I think that she would have found the dullness of peace hard to endure. Christine Granville was another such, as was Eliane Plewman who had the amazing courage to hint to her German interrogator that if taken out for a good dinner, she might be amenable to telling him more about the circuit (Monk) in which she was employed and who, having eaten the dinner calmly announced that she had changed her mind. They don't make them like that any more. Let us hope that we have learned the lessons of history well enough not to make the deaths of such brave women necessary in the future.
    Joss Carter

    ReplyDelete
  19. I saw the Movie version of Violet's life.I was too young to fully understand the more subtle ramifications of the poem,but I did memorize as I thought it was beautiful.I of course got the some of the words wrong.
    I thought she was very brave.
    Who played her in the film?Was it Simone Signoret?
    Regards.
    Frances Black

    A Code Poem For The French Resistance

    The life that I have is all that I have
    And the life that I have is yours.
    The love that I have of the life that I have
    Is yours and yours and yours.

    A sleep I shall have
    A rest I shall have,
    Yet death will be but a pause,
    For the peace of my years in the long green grass
    Will be yours and yours and yours.

    -- Leo Marks

    ReplyDelete
  20. Such a beautiful poem.

    I visited the Imperial War Museum, London today 29.10.03 and read this poem there.

    Having lost my mother just 10 weeks ago the words made very poignant reading.

    Mandy Clarke

    ReplyDelete
  21. I think you will find this poem was used by the BBC commentator at the
    funeral of Princess Diana. If I'm not mistaken he said it as the coffin
    was being loaded onto the hearse before it's journey back to Altrop. A
    very moving moment and the poem stuck with me ever since. I am so
    pleased to have found a little more about it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am due to minister at a funeral service where this poem is to be read at the committal, I am so grateful to all those who have added their comments, but especially to James. I shall be using his comments (in precis) to encourage the mourning family. I shall probably leave out the ditty about Charles DeGaulle, in case there are any French people in the congregation. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This poem is beautiful, my late Mother ~ Catherine Maria Andrews ~
    first heard it on BBC GMR in June 2003 and it moved her so much she
    called me to tell me about it. Without having the words of the poem to
    recite it too me, I could not at that time understand the true wonder
    and nature of the poem. My Mother died rather suddenly two months ago
    12th September 2004 and whilst clearing her out her home we found a copy
    of the poem 'The life that I have' which I knew she had obtained from
    the radio station as she had loved it so much. Reading the words from
    the poem bring me instant comfort every time, I do find a certain peace
    with the message in the poem ~ it is very serene. I must commend Leo
    Marks for his beautiful ability to transcend such feeling into words.

    Elaine Andrews.

    Scanned for viruses by MailDefender

    ReplyDelete
  24. Poems

    Howard Lawn

    Other works

    Criticisms

    Favorite Links

    Howard Lawn's Site

    Amazingly this translation into Gaelic came to me in a dream. Or should I say, when I woke up, the words were sitting bolt upright in my conscious mind like suitcases left behind after a visit that cannot be remembered or like that feeling of having lived an entire life after hearing a few lines of music.

    This code poem by Leo Marks is, in my opinion, the greatest poem ever written. It was on hearing it as a child made me decide to become a poet. How could so few words change the whole universe the way this poem does?

    Howard Lawn

    Code Poem
    by Leo Marks

    The life that I have is all that I have,
    And the life that I have is yours.
    The love that I have of the life that I have,
    Is yours and yours and yours.

    A sleep I shall have,
    A rest I shall have,
    Yet death will be but a pause,
    For the peace of my years in the long green grass,

    Translation by H. Lawn

    An bheatha agàm - sin uile agàm,
    Agus chugatsa, chugatsa é.
    An grá 'tá agàm den bheatha agàm,
    Chugatsa, chugatsa é.

    Beidh codladh agàm,
    Sos suain agàm,
    Ach níl sa bhás ach ré,
    Suaimhneas saoil dem chodladh san fhéar,
    Chugatsa, chugatsa é.

    Previous page Next page

    ReplyDelete
  25. what a great peom it makes you think how many loved it, it took me all
    weekend tracking it down but it was well worth it thanks for the information .
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sorry,

    When I was downloading a a translation of Leo Marks poem [197] a whole wad of rubbish came down with it. Perhaps you have a way of deleting all the garbage after the translation into Gaelic. My apologies for spoiling this magnificent site which I really enjoy reading from time to time.

    Cheers,

    Garry Bannister.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I find the poem stirs all kinds of emotion in me, it is a truly beautiful
    poem and my favourite.

    Linda Doncaster

    ReplyDelete
  28. One drunkem night with my Dad he reminded me of this poem. He recited it to me and I know it meant alot to him. Carve her name with Pride was his favourite film and I remember watching it with him when I was little. When he died my brother read it out at the funeral and I knew my Dad would have been pleased.
    Last week a good friend died suddenly and I was reminded of losing Dad and the poem. Tonight I found this site and have read the poem again. It has got to be the most comforting poem ever written when you have lost someone. Marks continues to bring a sense of peace to us today and probably for evermore.
    Also we should take time to remember women like Violet and Leo Mark's poem ensures she will not be forgotten.
    Lin

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have read much about the SOE and Mr Marks and Violette Szabo and the
    poem has a big part in my life. Sadly it is strongly rumoured that it
    was not written by him, not given to Violette, but was written
    specifically for the film which is why the use of the poem was approved
    but without identification of the authorship.

    Even if true it will not detract from its beauty for me.

    Peter

    ReplyDelete
  30. Truly inspirational, evocative...brought tears to my eyes, making me interpret
    it to fit my own life and love.

    Murali Raman

    ReplyDelete
  31. She was played by Viginia McKenna in the film.

    Why use the word 'executed' when 'murdered' would be more accurate?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Tell it to your children,with love

    ReplyDelete
  33. We should never forget these brave souls who gave their lives in some cases so we can be free, and how some of these brave people have since died alone. Thank you Eileen Neame "Mademoiselle du Tort" SOE.

    Of the 39 female SOE agents 13 failed to return.

    It should not require A tabled motion in the House of Commons to Bury these People it Should be their "RIGHT"

    ReplyDelete
  34. Is there a thing as love compatibility. Thanks for sharing man..

    ReplyDelete
  35. You made certain good points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found the majority of people will have the same opinion with your blog.
    cheap domain registration and hosting

    ReplyDelete
  36. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I think I will leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading.Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

    ReplyDelete
  37. this is great. nice work I'd like to read a bit more concerning this topic. Thanks for sharing such a nice information..

    ReplyDelete
  38. I must disagree with one of James Ingram's comments - the book is very hard to read, mainly because of many errors. These are not just the numerous typographical erros, but also the mistakes in the explanation of how to decode poem codes ! The printed material showing the example of a code is incorrect - several numbers are wrong.
    The jokey, very Jewish material grates after a while. It could have been 350 pages, not 600.
    However, it is indeed a very important book, and after several attempts I worked my way through it, and solved his mistakes in his codes.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Your mode of telling the whole thing in this
    paragraph is truly good, every one can without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot.


    Feel free to surf to my weblog; http://wealthwayonline.com/krisletangjersey.html

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hello to every body, it's my first go to see of this website; this webpage includes amazing and genuinely excellent stuff in support of readers.

    my web-site: Mario lemieux authentic Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  41. If you desire to grow your familiarity only keep visiting this web
    site and be updated with the most recent news update posted here.


    Feel free to surf to my site; Air Max

    ReplyDelete
  42. Greetings! I've been reading your blog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the great job!

    Feel free to visit my web blog; Cheap NFL Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  43. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks!

    Check out my blog post; Cheap NFL Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked
    submit my comment didn't appear. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that
    over again. Anyways, just wanted to say wonderful blog!


    my blog post: Abercrombie Et Fitch

    ReplyDelete
  45. Informative article, just what I was looking for.

    my web site; Louis Vuitton Outlet

    ReplyDelete
  46. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about
    this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think
    that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that,
    this is great blog. An excellent read. I'll definitely be back.

    my web blog - Sidney Crosby Authentic Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  47. Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening.
    I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this content together.
    I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both
    reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!


    Feel free to visit my web site Louis Vuitton Handbags Outlet

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I'm getting fed up of Wordpress because I've had issues with hackers and I'm looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Also visit my homepage; Cheap Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  49. I enjoy, lead to I found just what I used to be having a look for.
    You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
    Bye

    Feel free to surf to my weblog - Cheap NFL Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  50. If you want to take a great deal from this piece of writing then you have
    to apply these methods to your won blog.

    Also visit my weblog: Michael Kors

    ReplyDelete
  51. It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and
    it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to
    suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you
    could write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

    Feel free to visit my web blog ... www.explorethecapabilities.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site
    and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact
    enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

    Also visit my page - Louis Vuitton Handbags

    ReplyDelete
  53. A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more
    on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but typically folks don't discuss these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!

    Here is my blog post :: Get the Facts

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, awesome blog!

    My weblog: Read More Here

    ReplyDelete
  55. We stumbled over here from a different web address and
    thought I should check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
    Look forward to looking into your web page for a second time.


    Also visit my homepage; Going Here

    ReplyDelete
  56. I was extremely pleased to uncover this page. I want to to thank
    you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!

    ! I definitely loved every bit of it and I have you saved to fav to check out new stuff in your
    blog.

    My blog; extra resources

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?


    Also visit my webpage :: click for source

    ReplyDelete
  58. Asking questions are actually good thing if you are not understanding anything
    entirely, however this post presents fastidious understanding yet.



    Also visit my blog homepage

    ReplyDelete
  59. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment.
    I believe that you should write more about this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people do not speak about these topics.
    To the next! All the best!!

    Here is my weblog ... extra resources

    ReplyDelete
  60. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post! It's the little changes which will make the greatest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

    my site ... Discover More

    ReplyDelete
  61. My partner and I stumbled over here different web address and
    thought I should check things out. I like what I see so
    i am just following you. Look forward to going over
    your web page repeatedly.

    My web site ... Air Max Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  62. Currently it sounds like Wordpress is the top blogging
    platform available right now. (from what I've read) Is that what you're using
    on your blog?

    my web site ... Christian Louboutin Heels

    ReplyDelete
  63. I am not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this information for my mission.


    My page ... Nike Free Run

    ReplyDelete
  64. It's appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it's time to be happy.
    I have read this put up and if I could I want to recommend you some
    fascinating things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles
    referring to this article. I want to read more issues about it!


    my blog ... Nike Blazers

    ReplyDelete
  65. Saved as a favorite, I love your web site!

    my web site - Michael Kors Outlet **

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognize what
    you are speaking about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally consult
    with my site =). We may have a link change agreement
    among us

    Also visit my page: Sac A Main Louis Vuitton

    ReplyDelete
  67. This is a topic that is near to my heart... Cheers! Exactly where are your contact details
    though?

    My blog: Cheap Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  68. Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if
    you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything
    you can suggest? I get so much lately it's driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.

    Feel free to visit my web page Christian Louboutin Outlet []

    ReplyDelete
  69. Very nice article, totally what I wanted to find.



    Here is my web page ... Outcall In Deerfield Township NJ

    ReplyDelete
  70. Good way of describing, and fastidious post to obtain facts regarding my presentation subject
    matter, which i am going to convey in university.

    Here is my blog post; escort agency in Ventnor City NJ

    ReplyDelete
  71. It's truly a great and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

    Check out my web-site - Old Brookville Outcall

    ReplyDelete
  72. I every time emailed this web site post page to all my associates, as if
    like to read it after that my friends will too.


    Also visit my web page Michael Kors Outlet

    ReplyDelete
  73. I savour, result in I discovered exactly what I
    was taking a look for. You have ended my four day long
    hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

    Stop by my web page :: Boutique Air Max

    ReplyDelete
  74. You made some really good points there. I looked on the web to learn more about
    the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.|

    Here is my homepage - program pit 2013 (nowyprogram2013.pl)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Есть много способов инвестировать для будущего http://www.kredit-credits.ru. Требуете изучить, как сэкономить и наблюдать, что деньги растут? Требуете запланировать образование сегодня упростить преуспевать завтра? Требуете взять некоторые сбережения и инвестировать в растущие компании, чтобы узнать о фондовом рынке? Или хотели бы Вы инвестировать в Америку и наблюдать, что деньги растут через американские меч без имени Сберегательные облигации для Детей?

    ReplyDelete
  76. do you love poem? its good hoby. , http://kucingpersiaoke.blogspot.com , http://triksulapkartusederhana.blogspot.com , http://www.jasa-website.net , http://www.next-g-shop.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Heath care treatment reform rules passed your property this week for a party-line political election. Late Thursday night, House Democrats permitted the Senate heath care treatment reform program, sending a legislation so that you can President Obama to get his bank. www.moreabouthealth.org

    ReplyDelete
  78. Pointe Claire, QC, Canada

    I am humbled when I read the heroic accounts of what people suffered, that we may enjoy our freedoms today.

    Second world war heroine’s George Cross medal to be auctioned off
    The medals of Violette Szabo, who was tortured and killed for working with French resistance groups, will go on sale on 22 July 2015
    http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/03/second-world-war-heroines-george-cross-medal-to-be-auctioned-off

    ‘A dark-haired slip of mischief ... she had a Cockney accent, which added to her impishness.’
    - Leo Marks, one of S.O.E’s code-masters, recalls his meeting with Violette on the eve of her first mission to France in April 1944.

    Here is a wonderful file that includes the poem, photographs, mementos, details of Ms. Szabo's George Cross group and a comprehensive biography of her actions:

    The Important Posthumous Second World War George Cross group awarded to Violette Szabó,
    Women’s Transport Service (F.A.N.Y.) and ‘F’ Section, Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.),
    late Auxiliary Territorial Service (A.T.S.)
    http://www.dnw.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Medals 22 Jul 15.pdf

    ReplyDelete