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Women's History Month 2011

Biography of Mona Louise Parsons

Photo of Mona Louise Parsons
Photo credit: Andria Hill

Name: Mona Louise Parsons
Date: 1901-1976
Role: Civilian
Canadian Military Contribution: Only Canadian woman to be imprisoned by the German army

Mona Louise Parsons was a woman of dignity and courage – qualities that proved invaluable when she joined a resistance unit that rescued Allied airmen. A Nazi informer betrayed the rescued Allied airmen, and reported them and their rescuers to the Gestapo in 1941.

Mona was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. There, she met Baroness Wendelien van Boetzelaer, with whom she planned to escape when the opportunity came. In 1945, the prison was bombed, giving Mona and the Baroness their opportunity. The women successfully disguised themselves by posing as German sisters dressed in woolen clothing. Mona was honoured for her bravery and received a commendation from the British Air Marshall and the United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Mona Louise Parsons was born in Middleton, Nova Scotia. She died in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Women's History Month - Women and Canada's Military: A Proud Legacy

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Date Modified:
2011-10-03