The Secret WW2 Network

I first joined the Secret WW2 Network after meeting one of their co-founders Martyn Cox at the SOE Exhibition at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum in 2018.  The Secret WW2 Network is a UK-registered educational charity, established in 2014, with the stated objectives of: ‘the advancement of the education of the general public in the nature, perception, context, history, impact and consequences of covert Allied operations during the Second World War with a focus on those who took part in clandestine operations in support of resistance in occupied France and also the actions of the French resisters themselves.’  Put more simply as per their motto: Educate - Commemorate - Inspire.

 Although the Network’s original focus was on Britain and France, given the specialist knowledge of its two co-founders Martyn Cox and Martyn Bell, their work now extends across the world.  The Network's membership includes researchers, authors, veterans, the relatives of former agents and Resistants and of course historians. Indeed, the late Professor Rod Kedward, the University of Sussex’s highly regarded Resistance historian, was a founding Trustee and later, the Honorary Life President and the Charity enjoys an ongoing and mutually beneficial relationship with the University.

It was therefore an honour last month to have been invited by Paul McCue, the Executive Trustee of The Secret WW2 Network, to talk at their 2023 Annual Conference.  This was quite a daunting prospect given the potential composition of the audience and their collective (and awesome) expertise in matters relating to WW2 operations. However, I am pleased to report that my talk (‘Brothers in arms’ on the Starr and Newton brothers) was well-received and the more contentious and controversial issues touched upon made for an interesting Q and A session at the end.

For anyone interested in the type of events and commemorations that the Secret WW2 Network offer, these  can be seen on their website secret-ww2.net   If you are further inspired to become a member,  their quarterly Newsletter ‘By the Light of the Moon’ is sent out to all members by Paul McCue and is always an excellent, highly informative read!