‘Agent de toute confiance et de tout premier ordre’

‘Agent de toute confiance et de tout premier ordre’ Anne-Marie van Oost, a case study of a woman’s participation in the Belgian resistance during the Second World War Abstract This thesis explores the multifaceted roles and contributions of a woman in the Belgian resistance during the Second World War. The research is based on the case study of Belgian resistance agent Anne-Marie van Oost. While historical narratives have often sidelined the participation of women, this research aims to highlight their critical involvement and the diverse capacities in which they served. Through a comparative analysis of Anne-Marie’s recognition files with those of her male relatives, her personal biography and additional literature, this study examines a woman’s experience and participation in the resistance in an occupied country in Western-Europe. The research reveals that women were instrumental in communication, safeguarding fugitives, and the provision of supplies to resistance fighters. Their efforts were crucial to the success of the resistance operation and it allowed women to transcend gender norms and work with the men on a similar level. It even provided opportunities for female agents to fulfil leadership roles. This thesis also delves into the gender-specific challenges faced by these women, including the difficulties of their recruitment and how societal expectations hindered their position within a resistance group. In addition, the research nuances the contested claims by historian Fabrice Maerten about women’s mere ‘supportive’ roles in the resistance. By shedding light on the contributions of this courageous woman, this study aims to rectify historical misconceptions and provide a more inclusive overview of the Belgian resistance movement. The findings contribute to the Belgian studies on the Second World War and the under researched Belgian resistance historiography. The research highlights the need to re-evaluate traditional historical narratives and recognize the indispensable role of women in shaping the outcomes of wartime resistance efforts.