Anne Ponsonby
Anne Veronica Theresa Ponsonby (23 December 1924 – 3 October 2023) was a British telegraphist known for her contributions during World War II.[1]
Early life and education[edit]
Born in Peshawar, then part of the British India, she was the youngest of three daughters of Brigadier Francis Herbert Maynard and Ethel Bates.[1][2] She was educated at New Hall School, a convent school in Essex, England, after spending her early years in India.[1][2]
Career[edit]
During World War II, Ponsonby joined the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), which, despite its origins in medical support, served as a recruitment pool for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), an organisation tasked with espionage and reconnaissance in German-occupied Europe.[1][2] She underwent intensive training as a Morse code operator and coder, eventually achieving a high level of proficiency.[1]
Ponsonby's work was critical in maintaining secure communications with SOE agents in occupied Europe, especially as the enemy enhanced their techniques for detecting radio transmissions.[1] Her duties primarily involved encrypted communication between SOE's wireless station at Grendon Underwood and its London headquarters, a role that was pivotal for the success of missions and the safety of agents on the ground.[1][2]
On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Ponsonby received clear-text Morse messages celebrating the Allied invasion, an event that stood out in her career.[1][2] After the war, she returned to India briefly before joining the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), which led to her marriage to Myles Ponsonby, a Foreign Office official.[1] Her life thereafter included various postings abroad due to her husband's diplomatic career.[1]
Awards and recognition[edit]
In recognition of her wartime service, Ponsonby was awarded the Légion d'honneur in 2019, highlighting her contributions to the Allied efforts during World War II.[1][2]