I introduced you briefly to the famous (some would say infamous) Mitford sisters several years ago in my blog, British Fascists and a Mitford (click here to read the blog). It was the story of an English noble, Sir Oswald Mosley, and his wife, Diana who were staunch supporters of Hitler, Nazi Germany, and fascism. Diana Mosley was one of the six Mitford sisters.
Like the modern-day Kardashians, the Mitford sisters were well-known, extensively covered by the press, and considered to be “socialites.” I suppose today they would be called “celebrities.” As war with Germany approached during the 1930s, the antics of several sisters were widely covered in print and photos by the English press (no social media or television back then). In fact, the press branded one of the sisters as “Hitler’s girlfriend.” Unity Mitford wore that label proudly. Several of the other sisters held extremist views and were just as controversial.
Unity Mitford and Adolf Hitler in Bayreuth, Germany about one year after meeting. Photo by anonymous (c. 1936). TheDailyMail.co.uk. https://www.thehistoryreader.com/military-history/when-hitler-took-cocaine-hitlers-english-girlfriend/ PD-Author release.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the last survivor of the Führerbunker recently passed away?
Johanna Ruf (1929−2023) was fifteen when she entered the bunker in April 1945. Hitler used the bunker as his last headquarters and residence beginning 16 January 1945 and by April, Joseph Goebbels and his family had moved in. Read More The British Kardashian Sisters
For those of you who read our blogs, you may remember the one about Coco Chanel and her wartime activities (click here to read the blog, Coco Chanel: Nazi Spy or Collaborator?). Well, today’s blog touches on a similar theme only this time, we examine the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and their attitudes, sympathies, and activities with the Nazis that certainly raised suspicions about their loyalties to England.
Did You Know?
Did you know that I wrote a blog about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion? (Click here to read the blog, The Ten Percenters). It was the largest all-Black, all-female group to serve in World War II and its nickname was the “Six Triple Eight.” Not only were the soldiers presented with the herculean task of clearing a massive backlog of mail, but they were also met with discrimination at every turn. President Biden signed a bill in March authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal for the unit.
Romay Davis, 102, poses with a photo showing her in World War II. Photo by Jay Reeves (c. July 2022). AP Photo.
There are six surviving members of the Six Triple Eight. The oldest survivor, Romay Davis, 102, was recognized for her service at a ceremony at Montgomery (Alabama) City Hall. Romay said in an interview, “It isn’t mine, just mine. No. It’s everybody’s. The mail situation was in such horrid shape they didn’t think the girls could do it. But they proved a point.”
Yes, they did prove a point.
David, Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor, and Mrs. Simpson
Born to the future King George V and Queen Mary as their eldest son, Edward Albert Christian Andrew Patrick David (1894−1972)⏤simply known as “David” to the family⏤became the Prince of Wales in 1911 after his father ascended the English throne. Despite a limited role in World War I, David learned to fly and took his first military flight in 1918.
Edward, the Prince of Wales in a post-World War I portrait. Photo by anonymous (c. 1919). PD-Copyright expired. Wikimedia Commons.Four of the five sons of King George V. From left to right: Prince George, Duke of Kent, King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert, Duke of York (future King George VI), and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). PD-Expired copyright. Wikimedia Commons.Queen Mary (third from left) and her son, Edward, the Prince of Wales (third from right). Photo by anonymous (c. 1915-1920). Bain News Service. PD-No known copyright restrictions. Wikimedia Commons.
The Prince of Wales was a handsome and unmarried man. His favorite pastime was partying and developing relationships with married women. Some have characterized his behavior during the interwar period as “reckless.” His father was disappointed and believed David would eventually ruin himself. Read More Prince, King, and … Traitor?
“Stew blends the dark history of buildings in Paris that are associated with the infamous deeds of the Gestapo with contrasting insights into the bravery of the French people, who, at great risk to themselves and their families, secretly resisted the German Occupation.”
Stanley Booker, MBE, RAF (Ret.), Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur
Lavishly illustrated, gripping guide to the Paris that existed under Nazi rule.
This is a fantastic new book that provides extensive information for both those planning a trip and for armchair historians. While there are are walks that take you past famous places made infamous by Nazi rule, there is also a lot of detailed information. Stew Ross provides details about many topics that are not necessarily popular, including anti-semitism and collaboration. Photos add poignancy. Paris is haunted by its past, and these pages show you exactly why. The days of the Occupation and the Resistance are not that distant.
