-AUTHOR & HISTORIAN-
HELEN FRY
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Tagline (20 words)
Dr. Helen Fry, WWII historian, 'Secret Listeners' expert, consultant for TV, advocate for military intelligence, trustee, and author of upcoming 'Women in Intelligence.'
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Historian and biographer Helen Fry is the author of The London Cage, The Walls Have Ears, MI9 and more than twenty books on intelligence, prisoners of war, and the social history of World War II. She appears regularly in media interviews and podcasts and has been involved in numerous documentaries.
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Short body copy (80 words)
Meet Dr. Helen Fry, a diverse historian and author. She specialises in WWII history, notably the 'Secret Listeners,' and offers consultancy to prominent TV networks. Beyond her writing, Helen is a fervent advocate for the National Centre for Military Intelligence and a devoted trustee of the Medmenham Collection. As an honorary member of The Association of Jewish Refugees, she engages in broader historical initiatives, including school curriculum development. Don't miss her latest book, 'Women in Intelligence,' shedding light on the pivotal roles women played in WWI and WWII, which was released in September 2023.
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​Long body copy (150 words)
Discover the versatile expertise of Dr. Helen Fry, a distinguished WWII historian, and author with a profound focus on the contributions of 10,000 Germans and Austrians who fought for Britain during WWII. Her specialisation extends to the intriguing realm of the 'Secret Listeners' and the intricate world of 20th-century spies and espionage. Helen's influence goes beyond the pages of her books. She is a sought-after consultant for leading TV and documentary productions, offering historical insight for WWII scenes filmed by major channels like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. Her commitment to historical education encompasses curriculum development for schools and educational programs related to WWI, WWII, and the Cold War. An ardent supporter of the National Centre for Military Intelligence (NCMI), she also serves as a trustee for the Medmenham Collection and holds honorary membership in The Association of Jewish Refugees. In September 2023, her latest book, 'Women in Intelligence' was released, illuminating the crucial roles of women in both WWI and WWII.
X TROOP COMMANDO - BLURB CATALOGUE
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​Tagline (20 words)
The official biography of Colin Anson highlighting his journey from German refugee to elite British commando during World War Two.
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Helen Fry’s official biography of Colin Anson details his journey from a German refugee to an elite British commando. Born in 1922, he fled Nazi persecution, joined the British forces, and fought in World War Two. This publication highlights his resilience, courage, and unique contributions through interviews and personal accounts.
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Short body copy (80 words)
Helen Fry's biography of Colin Anson, a German refugee turned elite British commando, is both fascinating and moving. Born in 1922, Anson (formerly Claus Ascher) faced the trials of Nazism, including his father’s arrest and death in Dachau. At seventeen, he escaped to Britain via the Kindertransport. Joining the Pioneer Corps, he was later recruited by X-Troop in 1942. Despite sustaining severe injuries in Italy, he fought in Yugoslavia and helped liberate Corfu. Fry’s work highlights Anson’s extraordinary story and refugee contributions to the British forces.
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Long body copy (150 words)
​Helen Fry’s compelling biography of Colin Anson, a German refugee who became an elite British commando, vividly captures his remarkable life. Born Claus Ascher in 1922, his childhood was scarred by the rise of Nazism. His father was arrested by the Gestapo in 1937 and died shortly after in Dachau. At just seventeen, Colin fled to Britain on the Kindertransport. He volunteered for the Pioneer Corps and, in 1942, was selected for X-Troop, an elite commando unit. Anson took part in the invasions of Sicily and Italy, where he was severely wounded but returned to duty months later. He went on to fight in the Yugoslav islands, liberating Corfu and serving in postwar Frankfurt. Fry’s biography, based on extensive interviews, offers a detailed account of Anson’s extraordinary service, shedding light on the vital role refugees played within the British military during the war, told in Colin's own words.
WOMEN IN INTELLIGENCE - BLURB CATALOGUE
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A ground-breaking history of women in British intelligence, revealing their pivotal role across the first half of the twentieth century.
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In this major, panoramic history of women in intelligence, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work they undertook as civilians and across all three forces. Fry places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational, but little known, contributions of these remarkable women.
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Short body copy (80 words)
In this major, panoramic history, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work women undertook as civilians and in uniform. From those who worked for Belgian network ‘La Dame Blanche’, knitting coded messages into jumpers, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections, Fry shows just how crucial women were in the intelligence mission. Filled with hitherto unknown stories, Women in Intelligence places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women.
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Long body copy (150 words)
From the 1910s onwards, women took on an extraordinary range of roles in intelligence, defying the conventions of their time. Across both world wars, far from being a small part of covert operations, women were running escape lines, managing networks and interrogating prisoners. And, back in Bletchley and Whitehall, women’s vital administrative work in MI offices kept the British war engine running. In this major, panoramic history, Helen Fry looks at the rich and varied work women undertook as civilians and in uniform. From those who worked for Belgian network ‘La Dame Blanche’, knitting coded messages into jumpers, to those who interpreted aerial images and even ran entire sections, Fry shows just how crucial women were in the intelligence mission. Filled with hitherto unknown stories, Women in Intelligence places new research on record for the first time and showcases the inspirational contributions of these remarkable women.
SPYMASTER: THE MAN WHO SAVED MI6 - BLURB CATALOGUE
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Uncover the gripping WWII espionage story of spymaster Thomas Joseph Kendrick and his secret mission that changed the course of history.
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Delve into the riveting world of espionage with Dr. Helen Fry's 'Spymaster.' Discover the untold story of Thomas Joseph Kendrick, a senior spymaster who saved lives and shaped history during WWII, blending daring spy networks and daring rescues in Nazi Germany, all while operating in the shadows of MI6 secrecy.
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In 'Spymaster,' Dr. Helen Fry unveils the clandestine life of Thomas Joseph Kendrick, a high-ranking spymaster for British Intelligence during WWII. Hidden beneath his innocuous post as a passport officer in Vienna, Kendrick orchestrated covert spy networks in Nazi Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Italy. Risking everything, he saved countless lives by issuing fake visas to Jews escaping Hitler's grasp. Discover the enigmatic figure dubbed 'the elusive Englishman' and the crucial role he played in shortening the war, including the exploits of German-Jewish refugee "secret listeners" who eavesdropped on captives and Generals.
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Long body copy (150 words)
Prepare to be captivated by Dr. Helen Fry's 'Spymaster,' an enthralling exploration of one of the most shadowy yet influential figures in the annals of British espionage during World War II. In the midst of turbulent times, Thomas Joseph Kendrick operated as a senior spymaster for the British Secret Intelligence Service, all under the seemingly unassuming guise of a passport officer stationed in Vienna. However, Kendrick's true mission was a well-guarded secret; he orchestrated a complex web of spy networks that reached into the heart of Nazi Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Italy. Amidst the chaos and horror of Hitler's annexation of Austria, Kendrick's daring issuance of fake visas and papers saved the lives of up to 200 Jews daily, earning him the moniker 'the elusive Englishman.' Yet, his real identity remained shrouded, eluding even the prying eyes of Hitler's Secret Service, the Abwehr. Dr. Helen Fry's meticulous research brings Kendrick's clandestine world to life, shedding light on a brilliant yet enigmatic man who played a pivotal role in shortening the war. Uncover the secrets of German-Jewish refugee "secret listeners" who clandestinely eavesdropped on captive conversations and the musings of Hitler's Generals, contributing to Allied intelligence and ultimately altering the course of history. 'Spymaster' is a thrilling journey into the heart of covert operations and a tribute to an unsung hero.
THE WALLS HAVE EARS - BLURB CATALOGUE
​Tagline (20 words)
Explore the covert world of WWII secret listeners who eavesdropped on Hitler's Generals, revealing vital secrets for victory.
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Ad copy (50 words)
Dive into WWII's hidden history with 'The Walls Have Ears.' Discover the untold story of secret listeners who surreptitiously bugged German POWs, including Hitler's Generals. Their conversations, overheard in luxury confinement, held closely guarded secrets that changed the course of the war, a tale uncovered by Dr. Helen Fry for the first time.
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Short body copy (80 words)
In 'The Walls Have Ears,' Dr. Helen Fry unveils a long-hidden chapter of WWII espionage. British intelligence secretly bugged German POWs, including high-ranking Generals, at luxurious estates like Latimer House and Trent Park. These unwittingly talkative captives divulged crucial secrets while unaware they were 'wired for sound.' For over six decades, the secret listeners, akin to Bletchley Park's codebreakers, maintained silence about their vital role in shortening the war and contributing to VE Day's victory. Helen Fry's research finally brings their remarkable story to light.
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Long body copy (150 words)
Delve into the enigmatic world of WWII espionage with 'The Walls Have Ears.' Dr. Helen Fry unveils a remarkable tale of secret listeners who, for decades, guarded their extraordinary wartime mission in silence. Amidst the turmoil of WWII, British intelligence planted listening devices in the stately houses of Latimer, Wilton Park, and Trent Park, where German prisoners-of-war, including Hitler's Generals, were held in lavish comfort.
Unbeknownst to these high-ranking captives, the walls had ears, and their unguarded conversations unwittingly revealed some of Hitler's most closely held secrets. These secrets, pieced together by diligent eavesdroppers, played a pivotal role in shortening the war and ultimately contributed to the triumph of VE Day.
For over 60 years, the secret listeners carried their burden in silence, not even sharing their incredible experiences with their own families. Helen Fry, for the first time, uncovers their remarkable contributions, placing them alongside the heroes of Bletchley Park in the archives of WWII history. 'The Walls Have Ears' is a gripping tribute to these unsung heroes and their invaluable role in Allied victory.
MI9: ESCAPE & EVASION - BLURB CATALOGUE
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Discover MI9's untold role in WWII. Learn how clandestine escape routes rescued Allied fighters, unveiling the secret heroes behind the scenes.
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Ad copy (50 words)
Uncover the hidden history of WWII's MI9 in 'Escape and Evasion' by Dr. Helen Fry. This clandestine branch of military intelligence masterminded secret escape routes through Nazi-occupied Europe, saving countless Allied lives. Helen's enlightening book reveals the courageous agents, like Airey Neave, who risked all to aid escapees. MI9's impact on intelligence and the war's tide-turning moment is unveiled for the first time.
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Short body copy (80 words)
Step into the shadows of WWII's covert operations with 'MI9: Escape and Evasion' by Dr. Helen Fry. MI9, a clandestine branch of military intelligence, crafted intricate escape routes through Nazi-occupied Europe, ensuring the safe return of trapped Allied fighters. Helen's captivatingbook shines a light on the unsung heroes behind MI9's success, like Airey Neave, who made the first successful escape from Colditz. For the first time, discover MI9's dual role - saving countless lives and contributing to vital intelligence that played a pivotal role in turning the war's tide in favour of the Allies.
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Long body copy (150 words)
Enter the hidden world of WWII's unsung heroes in 'MI9: Escape and Evasion' by Dr. Helen Fry. This riveting account unveils the remarkable story of MI9, a covert branch of military intelligence that crafted clandestine escape routes through Nazi-occupied Europe. These escape routes became lifelines for Allied fighters trapped behind enemy lines, enabling their safe return to Britain. Within this secret world, courageous secret agents and resistance fighters risked everything, even the lives of their families, to shelter and aid these stranded men. Helen Fry's illuminating book explores the establishment of MI9, headquartered in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, and reveals for the first time the profound impact of their operations. Not only did MI9 save thousands of Allied lives, but it also conducted a massive intelligence-gathering operation that influenced the course of the war. Discover the untold stories of these unsung heroes, like Airey Neave, whose daring escapes from Colditz were only one part of MI9's remarkable contribution to WWII. 'MI9: Escape and Evasion' is a gripping tribute to those who defied the odds to turn the tide of history.
The London Cage: Britain's Secret Wartime Interrogation Centre - BLURB CATALOGUE
​Tagline (20 words)
Explore the secretive world of WWII's London Cage in Helen Fry's 'Britain's Secret Wartime Interrogation Centre,' revealing untold stories from declassified files.
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Ad copy (50 words)
Uncover the hidden history of WWII's enigmatic London Cage in 'Britain's Secret Wartime Interrogation Centre' by Dr. Helen Fry. Situated in Kensington Palace Gardens, it held unbreakable German prisoners of war and later transformed into a pivotal war crimes investigation unit. Helen's book provides a first-ever, comprehensive view of life inside this clandestine facility, pieced together from declassified files.
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Short body copy (80 words)
Step into the mysterious realm of WWII's London Cage with 'Britain's Secret Wartime Interrogation Centre' by Dr. Helen Fry. Tucked away in Kensington Palace Gardens, this clandestine interrogation centre held unyielding German POWs and later became a crucial hub for investigating Nazi war criminals. Helen's illuminating book offers a never-before-seen glimpse into life within the Cage, reconstructing its secrets from declassified files. Delve into the questions of justice, the moral cost, and the extraordinary stories of those who passed through its doors.
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Long body copy (150 words)
Unearth the secrets of WWII's most enigmatic interrogation centre in 'The London Cage: Britain's Secret Wartime Interrogation Centre' by Dr. Helen Fry. Concealed within the walls of Kensington Palace Gardens, this clandestine facility was known as 'millionaire's row,' where British intelligence grappled with unyielding German prisoners of war. As the war neared its end, the Cage underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a pivotal war crimes investigation unit. Inside its locked doors passed some of the most heinous Nazi war criminals and perpetrators of atrocities. But what was the price of justice, and would it be achieved? Helen Fry's captivating book unravels the mysteries of the Cage, reconstructed from declassified files for the very first time. It delves deep into life within this secretive institution, shedding light on the moral dilemmas and extraordinary stories that unfolded behind its walls. 'The London Cage' is a gripping tribute to the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of one of history's darkest chapters.