Blue plaque honours World War Two hero Odette Sansom in Ealing

A blue plaque has been unveiled today (8 May 2025) at the former Ealing home of wartime agent Odette Sansom, commemorating 80 years since her return to Britain after surviving Nazi captivity.

The blue plaque from English Heritage was installed at 6 Lawrence Road in South Ealing to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by members of Odette’s family, alongside Ealing Council leader Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet member for thriving communities Councillor Blerina Hashani and representatives from English Heritage, which runs the blue plaque scheme.

Born Odette Marie Céline Brailly in Amiens, France, she was deployed to occupied France as a courier for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). After being captured by the Gestapo, she endured torture and solitary confinement in Ravensbrück concentration camp, yet never betrayed her comrades. Her courage and steadfastness earned her the George Cross.

Howard Spencer, senior historian at English Heritage, said: “Odette Sansom’s story is one of exceptional courage and determination. A blue plaque at her pre-war home in Ealing serves as a powerful reminder of her extraordinary bravery and the significant sacrifices she made. We remember her not only for her wartime heroism but also for the life she led before, and the path that led her from this ordinary house and the life of a 1930s mother-of-three to becoming one of the best-known female agents of the war.

“Today, as we celebrate a special VE Day – 80 years since the Nazi regime officially surrendered and victory in Europe was declared – it seems all the more poignant to honour Odette with this plaque.”

Councilor Mason said: “Odette Sansom made a remarkable contribution to the Allies in the Second World War. The unveiling of the blue plaque at her home is a powerful reminder of her extraordinary bravery and the sacrifices she made in helping to defeat the Nazis.”