PEOPLE WE SHOULD KNOW...

VIRGINIA HALL

Virginia had a knack for finding adventure, so it’s no wonder that she was recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to help fight the Germans during WWII. Virginia had applied to work for the Foreign Service, but was denied due to a hunting accident that left her left leg amputated. After joining the SOE, she was stationed in France for 13 months where she helped organize a spy network and avoided capture by the Germans who nicknamed her “The Limping Lady.”

After her assignment in Germany ended, she joined the Office of Strategic Services, which would later become the CIA, and was sent back to Germany. Once again, she led the Germans on a wild goose chase as they tried and failed to capture the woman who successfully stole important intelligence. Today, Virginia Hall is remembered as the only civilian woman during WWII to receive the US Armed Forces’ Distinguished Service Cross and there are rumors of several movies being made about her life.

Although not a spy himself, Oliver Cromwell lived during a time when spying was an important part of British politics. During the English Civil War, Cromwell took control and became Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Cromwell became a new kind of ruler, one that was not a king, but had significant power. Since not everyone was thrilled to have this new leader, Cromwell created a spy network to help maintain his power.

Through this spy network, Cromwell was able to fight those who wanted to bring a king back on the British throne. The man he put in charge, Chief Spymaster John Thurloe, was known as a ruthless man who would stop at nothing to destroy those who wished to remove Cromwell from power. Today, Cromwell’s rule is often questioned. Some view him as a hero for changing laws and bringing Britain back from chaos, while others see him as a traitor. Regardless, Cromwell lived and ruled in an exciting time and was able to maintain his power through his network of spies.

OLIVER CROMWELL