MI9: Escape and Evasion in the Second World War

Join Helen Fry to learn about MI9, the WWII organisation that engineered the escape of Allied forces from behind enemy lines.

MI9 set up clandestine escape routes that zig-zagged across Nazi-occupied Europe, enabling soldiers and airmen to make their way back to Britain. Central to MI9’s success were figures such as Airey Neave, the first British prisoner to successfully escape from Colditz, and Mary Lindell, one of only a few women parachuted into enemy territory for MI9.

Helen will be revealing that not only did MI9 save thousands of Allied lives but also contributed to a massive intelligence effort that impacted on the Allies’ ability to turn the tide of the war.

Helen Fry has written extensively on the Second World War with particular reference to the 10,000 Germans & Austrians who fought for Britain; and also intelligence and espionage. Helen's latest book Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars was published in September 2023.

Discover more events in our Great Escapes season at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/great-escapes/

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