25 Nov 2014

Pippa outed as WW2 spy heroine

7:32 pm on 25 November 2014

A 93-year-old Auckland resthome resident is being recognised today for her work as a French spy during World War 2.

Britain's Red Arrows perform during D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth, southern England.

Britain's Red Arrows perform during D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth, southern England, earlier this year. Photo: AFP

Phyllis Latour Doyle, also known as Pippa to her friends, was parachuted into France to get information on German positions during the war and on one mission played a crucial role in the D-Day landings in Normandy.

She was made a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the French Ambassador to New Zealand this afternoon.

French Ambassador Laurent Contini said Ms Doyle retired in anonymity and was found only recently by chance.

"She was surprised that we have found her and she said 'but what did I do to merit that'."

Ms Doyle was to attend the ceremony with family and close friends, he said.

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