Embodiment

In this episode you’ll hear Celine’s story. She was a young French woman who first joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in the UK, and then later became a British Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent. She parachuted into France to courier, sabotage and coordinate among Maquis groups. You’ll hear how she challenged biased cultural beliefs about women and her references that underscore the personality of many of the women I interviewed ~ independent, strategic, compassionate, courageous and instinctual. Celine made crucial contributions in one of the most turbulent times of WW 2; during the D-Day invasion and the weeks that followed. Post war, the British government honoured some SOE agents with medals ~ the men received far more than the women. And for those women like Celine who did survive and receive commendation, their medals were civilian, rather than military. Episodes include war-related content that some listeners may find disturbing and/or traumatizing. This content includes graphic references to sexual assault and suicide. Episode Details EmbodimentPodcast Episode #07 Created by: Diane GreigProduced by: Robert OuimetRuns: 57:48 Credits Host and Writer: Diane GreigCeline: Emily Bett RickardsCasting Director: Eileen BarrettProducer: Robert OuimetSound engineer: Scott Whittaker Show Notes About the British SOE (Special OperationsExecutive) and attitudes about women Bipolar stereotype of women Projections, repression and fear of ‘other’ Celine’s story, leaving France to finish school in England Joining the WAAF, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force Training at SOE ‘finishing school’ in Scotland Explosives, guns and safe cracking Getting married before deployment to France Dropping into France and a rough landing Recruiting and supplies for the underground teams D-day and close calls Staying to help the allied forces A final tragic encounter Links and Resources A list of SOE agentsSecret Scottish training campsSOE Training, Transport and EquipmentThe Female Spies of the SOEThe Witch huntsA Brief Guide to Embodied CognitionReductionismLhasa Pilgrim Circuits and KoraYangon’s Shwedagon PagodaThe maquisWomen’s Auxiliary Air ForceSpecial Operations SOE Tempsford Secret Airfield WWII Spy Base (YouTube Video)The Free FrenchFalais PocketD-DayShaving women’s heads after liberation All Episodes in this Series Episode 8: Heroine’s Journey Episode 7: Embodiment Episode 6: Madonnas Episode 5: Sisterhood Episode 4: Shadow Projections Episode 3: Propaganda Episode 2: Spy Craft Episode 1: Service Zero Promo