Thomas Coulson

Written by a British Army officer whose biases towards women is evident on almost every page in the early part of the book. Once he started to delve into her action as a spy and its influence on the Allied war effort he became more moderate. One case he mentioned indicated the information she passed on to the Germans led to the deaths of 50,000 French troops in one battle.

She was flagrant in her traveling from country to country using her dancing and acting as cover. She had lovers in all countries from both sides of the conflict. She used her Dutch nationally to explain how she could legitimately have friends and lovers on both sides as the Netherlands was a neutral in World War I.

One humourous scene took place when the French Military officers went to her hotel to arrest her after they were convinced they had proof she was a spy. When they entered her room, they found her re-cling on a couch in the nude. Despite their embarrassment and requests for her to get dressed, she conducted the interview in the nude. Then she proceeded to get dressed in front of them having them help with tying scarfs, etc.

Her execution was conducted in the French military manner and is well described here.

The author refers readers to other books to see more details about certain incidents he briefly mentions.… (mehr)