Ursula Mary Pennell

Ursula recalled being approached in 1942 by a "charming young officer" who arrived in a large staff car. Having confirmed her identity he initially enquired whether her husband was a vicar serving with the Army in India, then asking to speaking to her privately. Naturally she became quite concerned, doubtless worried he was there to deliver bad news. Instead he described a network of people "three miles apart and about three miles inland who would stay put if the Germans came". Would she be interested?

Once she had accepted, "the officer explained what I had to do and he told me the names of my contacts. To the east at Weybourne, it was the schoolmaster there, at the village school. He was my contact there. The other side at Blakeney there was a retired schoolmistress who I vaguely knew. If the Germans came, I had to gather every single bit of information I possibly could. I was given leaflets with the badges and uniforms, and various things I had to learn and was told I must always carry it everywhere. I used to stick them in my bra wherever I went. I had to destroy it when the Germans came." "I was the only one in Cley"

She was concerned about the impression of this young officer visiting regularly, and whether her father was thinking they were carrying on an affair, as he would question her about him. So she made up a story about the Army wanting to ensure there was someone who could speak German in each area. 

The officer told her about a couple of doctors who were part of the organisation - likely Dr Eddy at Aldborough and Dr Dr Holman at Aylsham.

She met also Captain Ingrams when he took over the area.

When Special Duties was stood down, she received a letter of thank, but no other recognition or medal.

After the ear she became friendly with the retired school mistress who had been her contact. During the war they had only exchanged the occasional wink.