Now bought by ARTE a French film company who will make it a documentary in French, German and in English.
Hilda Campbell was born in the north of Scotland in 1889. She married German national Dr Willy Bűttner Richter in 1912. They honeymooned in Scotland and returned to settle in Hamburg. Dr Richter died in 1938. After visiting her ailing parents, Hilda returned to Germany just before the Second World War began. She became a double agent, controlled by Gerhardt Eicke in Germany and Lawrence Thornton in Britain. How could she cope under such strain, and with her son Otto in the German Army? Nor did she expect her evidence to be so cruelly challenged at theNuremberg Trials. Learn of her post-war life, which took her abroad as a British Ambassador’s wife. This is an extraordinary story based on the life of the author’s great aunt, Hilda. The book includes several authentic accounts.
Excerpt
Hilda had a strong sense that she had already lost the argument. She could not compete with Eicke; she could only confront him. She drew herself up to her full height and raised her chin.
‘What exactly are you expecting of me, Herr Eicke?’
Now he spoke a little more warmly, ‘Troop movements in Scotland, Frau Richter. That would be interesting information for us. New and existing air bases too. We need their exact locations, please. Nothing else at present, I assure you. We will contact you when we need to.’ He clicked his heels and gave a little bow. ‘I am glad you see the need to remain loyal to the Fatherland. Rest assured that Renate and Karl will be treated fairly. As I said, you will hear from me or one of our agents abroad at the right time.’
Hilda was speechless. The wind had gone out of her sails. She stood aside to let him pass as he headed out of the lounge. He made for the front door with a parting shot.
‘Frau Richter, I have a very high regard for you and know you will not disappoint me.’
She opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out.
As the door closed firmly behind him, she sagged against the wall and groped for her handkerchief to dab her forehead once more. The German war machine had found her. She had become a cog in its grinding wheel. It had entrapped her. She bit her fist.
It took her no time to realise exactly what was required of her. She was to spy for Germany against Britain, her real homeland.
Professional Reviews A Rare espionage book
5.0 out of 5 stars A book like this does not come along very often.
5 October 2019
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
From Rambling Mads
My thoughts:
This was really interesting, based on the real life of the author’s great aunt; which makes it even more compelling. An ordinary woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, relying on her wits and determination to not get caught.
Resourceful woman decieves the Nazis
It was really fascinating – a story that hadn’t been told from this angle before. A resourceful, intelligent and capable woman, resilient and brave; Hilda Campbell was an incredible person and I’m glad I got to read about her.
The book is well written and flows nicely, travelling across Europe with Hilda, not afraid to show the peril she faced at times, and the genuine fears and tragedies of wartime life. Glad to hear it might be a film in two years.
Fascinating historical novel based on the author's aunt
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Historical
14 November 2019
Format: Paperback
An interesting historical novel based on the author's great aunt, Hilda Campbell. She was born in Scotland and married a German, Dr Richter in 1912. They lived in Hamburg and had one son, Otto. Her husband died in 1938 and just before the second world war, Hilda visited her parents in Scotland. This visit started her dangerous journey as a double agent.
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>On her return to Germany at the beginning of the war, Hilda received spy training but continued her work for the allies. Struggling with her decisions for both countries, Hilda moves back to Britain and supports the war by working at Bletchley Park.
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>On returning to Germany she personally discovers the atrocities of war and becomes a witness at the Nuremburg trials. A fascinating woman who was incredibly brave with the special skills to survive as a double agent.
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>A wonderful read with plenty of historical detail.
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d garford
5.0 out of 5 starsthe ups and downs of pre and war time Germany
28 November 2019
Format: Paperback
I enjoyed the ups and down riddled all through the book. A stimulating mix that made you unsure of what was going to happen next. Plenty of close shaves set against heartfelt moments. Hilda, at all times, presents as a wholesome, trustworthy and loyal person
One person found this helpful
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