8.9.1943. Pearl received details of her first mission, to make contact in France with a French colonel and his Maquis group of 1,000 men.
Pearl is all set for France, as an Organiser. This is a significant role. SOE teams consisted of Organisers, Couriers and Wireless Operators. Organisers were usually male, Couriers female – because it was easier for women than men to travel around Occupied France – and Wireless Operators either male or female. Initially, all Wireless Operators were nicknamed George. SOE slang for talented Wireless Operators was pianists. Already, the SOE have placed Pearl in a position of great responsibility, a prelude to her leadership role.
Pearl’s passwords contained a touch of humour.
‘Aimez vous les nouveaux films Allamands – Do you like new German movies?’
’Dieu merci je n’en vois jamais – Thank god I never see one.’
A fly in the ointment…a telegram from MI5 about a mutual friend working at German GHQ…could Pearl be a spy?
The SOE concluded that an investigation was required.
The SOE clear Pearl and don’t foresee any risk of her meeting the ‘mutual friend’. She is on her way to France.
Hannah Howe 