A wartime hero who was the first woman to be awarded the George Cross has been honoured with a blue plaque unveiling in the borough today (Thursday 8 May).
A ceremony was held at the former home of Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent Odette Sansom, in Lawrence Road, South Ealing. Today also marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Members of Odette’s family were in attendance along with Ealing Council’s leader Peter Mason, cabinet member for thriving communities Councillor Blerina Hashani, and representatives from English Heritage, which runs the blue plaque scheme.
Odette, a mother-of-3, became one of the best-known female agents of the war, making an extraordinary contribution to the Allied war effort against Nazi Germany. She endured unimaginable hardships and displayed unwavering bravery.
She was a courier in occupied France and was captured and tortured by the Gestapo, Hitler’s secret police. Her unwavering refusal to betray her comrades stands as testament to her extraordinary courage. Her actions, for which she was awarded the George Cross, saved lives and significantly aided the French Resistance.
‘Bravery and sacrifice’
Councillor Mason said: “Odette Sansom made a remarkable contribution to the Allies in the Second World War. The unveiling of the blue plaque at her home is a powerful reminder of her extraordinary bravery and the sacrifices she made in helping to defeat the Nazis.”
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Odette Sansom’s return to England on 8 May 1945, following her harrowing experiences in Nazi captivity. Her return, coinciding with the end of the war in Europe, was a moment of national celebration.
Howard Spencer, senior historian at English Heritage, said: “Odette Sansom’s story is one of exceptional courage and determination. Today, as we celebrate a special VE Day – 80 years since the Nazi regime officially surrendered and victory in Europe was declared – it seems all the more poignant to honour Odette with this plaque.”
Councillor Hashani added: “It was a privilege to meet Odette Sansom’s family and find out from them what she was like and her remarkable war efforts.. Odette joins a list of inspirational female agents who have been honoured with a blue plaque highlighting the vital contribution of women during the war.”
