They Shoot Spies: the untold story of the first female agents

Published on 10 February 2021
Submitted by Dr Viv Newman

In this presentation, which was delivered 'live' to an online audience, Viv Newman talks about the unusual subject of female spies who operated in the Great War. Moving beyond the stereotypes of Edith Cavell and Mata Hari this presentation explores the lives and actions of two Belgian and one French woman whose espionage made a significant contribution to the Allied Cause. One is believed to be the only woman, probably the only person, to have been decorated by France, Belgium, Britain AND Germany. 

The talk also introduces the elusive 'Fraulein Doktor' – the most important spymaster working for the German Army as well as Régina Diana, her most effective agent working in Paris and Marseille. The presentation is based on Viv's recently published 'Régina Diana: Seductress, Singer, Spy'.

They Shoot Spies - the untold story of the first female agents
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Local Branch Icon
Your local WFA branch

With around 50 branches, there may be one near you. The branch meetings are open to all.

Trenchmaper Icon
TrenchMapper

Utilise this tool to overlay historical trench maps with modern maps, enhancing battlefield research and exploration.

Standto Icon
Stand To!

Receive four issues annually of this prestigious journal, featuring deeply researched articles, book reviews and historical analysis.

Other Articles

Jardin Ward 3
18 May 2026

The other nurses of Mudros – France’s Red Cross at Lemnos, 1915

Read more
Gemini Generated Image 7D9krb7d9krb7d9k
12 May 2026

Francesco Baracca: Italian WW1 air ace and the Ferrari connection

Read more
Invisible Foe (1) (1)
3 May 2026

The Invisible Foe: The 62nd Division in the Second Battle of the Marne 1918

Read more
Vol 1 Example Pages
2 May 2026

What happened to the ‘Bond of Sacrifice?’

Read more
Gemini Generated Image Nizgwnnizgwnnizg
28 April 2026

Alexander Kazakov – Russia’s greatest fighter ace of the First World War

Read more