The Most Daring Female Spies The World Has Ever Seen

Despite the popularity of characters such as James Bond and Jason Bourne, the world of espionage isn’t limited to just men. Throughout history, in fact, countless women have risked life and limb to serve their countries and the greater good. Whether they parachuted behind enemy lines or fought with the strength of five men, these 20 female agents deserve to be remembered for their extraordinary deeds.

1. Virginia Hall

As an ambitious young American woman, Virginia Hall hoped to join the United States Foreign Service. But a tragic accident — and, some would argue, her gender — prevented Hall from ever achieving this goal. Instead, she joined the Special Operations Executive during World War Two, working with the resistance in France.

A medal for her service

Dubbed “la dame qui boite,” or the lady who limps, on account of her prosthetic leg, Hall established a spy ring, earning herself the wrath of the Germans in the process. But even though she was once forced to escape on foot across the Pyrenees Mountains, she was never caught. After the war, Hall was given the Distinguished Service Cross — one of just two women to receive the medal during the conflict.

2. Anne Dawson

Born in England to a Dutch mom, Anne Dawson traveled to German-occupied Belgium during World War One to serve as a British agent. One of only two female operatives to serve behind enemy lines in the war for Britain, she gathered information on military movements and passed it to the Allies — risking her life in the process.

Secret activities

At the time, Dawson’s dual nationality and language skills made her a valuable asset to the British, but those talents would’ve made her a target as well. Thankfully, she survived the war, receiving an MBE in 1920. In her later years, she went on to work for the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission, though the exact nature of her activities at the organization have never been revealed.