In the latest episode of Spybrary, host Shane Whaley engages in a riveting discussion with historian and author Dr. Claire Hubbard-Hall. Known for her expertise in the history of women in intelligence, Claire brings to light the overlooked yet monumental roles women have played in British Intelligence. Her book titled Her Secret Service - The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence aims to challenge the male-dominated narrative of intelligence history.
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The Real Miss Moneypenny?
A significant part of Claire Hubbard-Hall’s exploration revolves around Kathleen Pettigrew, an influential yet under-recognized figure in British intelligence. In stark contrast to the fictional, high-society character of Miss Moneypenny from James Bond lore, Pettigrew’s real-life journey is rooted in humble beginnings and tremendous professional success. Working for MI6, Pettigrew was integral to establishing essential communications at Bletchley Park during World War II. Her role encompassed overseeing coding, teleprinting, and message handling, including critical messages from Hut 3 of Ultra.
Through meticulous research, Claire attempts to lift the veil on Kathleen Pettigrew’s legacy, providing a reality check against the glamorous but often inaccurate portrayal of women in spy fiction.
The episode also discusses the broader evolution of women's roles in British intelligence, shedding light on figures like Jane Sismore, MI5’s first officer, and Mary Shearer, MI5's first female agent handler. Claire elaborates on how societal changes, particularly during wartime when men were at the front, necessitated the inclusion of women in more substantial roles. However, progress was slow, often hinging on the approval and support of male counterparts.
Winifred Spink, a strikingly attractive woman born into a Plymouth Brethren family, was a rebel and suffragette who defied conventions of her time. Fluent in French and German, she also mastered car mechanics and excelled as a secretary. Shortly before the 1916 revolution, she broke new ground as the first female intelligence officer with the British mission to Petrograd, narrowly escaping execution during her time there. Bold and liberated, she chronicled her numerous romantic liaisons in her diary, referring to them as “another scalp.”
Equally remarkable was Olga Gray, who joined MI5 in 1931 and successfully infiltrated the British Communist Party as secretary to its leader, Harry Pollitt, ultimately exposing a Soviet spy ring. Joan Bright, another inspiration for the character of Miss Moneypenny, was lauded as the "organising genius of the War Office secretariat" during the Second World War. She became the gatekeeper to the War Office’s secrets and a valuable source for historians throughout her life. Despite her significant contributions, Gray received little support and was eventually abandoned by MI5, showcasing the institutional barriers women faced.
Shining a Light on the Forgotten Women of British Intellgence
As Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall continues to uncover these hidden stories, her work is instrumental in revising our understanding of espionage history. By highlighting the indispensable roles women have played, she not only corrects historical oversights but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and recognize the silent heroines of intelligence. For those interested in delving deeper into these narratives, Claire’s book "Her Secret Service" is available in the UK and will be released in the US as "Secret Servants of the Crown: Women, British Intelligence" in February.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable forgotten women of British Intelligence.
About the Author
Claire Hubbard-Hall is a writer and historian who specialises in the history of secret intelligence. She has held lecturing posts in several British universities and is an honorary Associate Professor of Intelligence History.
