Women of Intelligence: Winning the Second World War with Air Photos (History Press Ser.)

By: Christine Halsall

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Synopsis: In World War Two an ornate Victorian mansion, overlooking the River Thames at Medmenham, in Buckinghamshire, was the Headquarters of the Allied Central Interpretation Unit. It was here that the air photography, obtained by reconnaissance aircraft flying over the whole of enemy and occupied Europe, was analysed by Photographic Interpreters: the Intelligence produced from their reports influenced virtually every Allied operation planned and carried out during the war. An analytical mind, curiosity, the ability to search for clues and recognise the unusual were essential qualities for the Interpreters and found in men and women from scientific and artistic backgrounds. They included a daughter of Winston Churchill. Women made up half of the work force, as every aspect of enemy activity was watched and analysed. Now the women of Medmenham, the ‘Women of Intelligence’, tell the story of their wartime life and work – in their own words.