Happy Birthday, You Cool Bastard.
September 28th, Isabel Pell
Isabel Townsend Pell,
September 28th, 1900.
There's something inherently fascinating about 1920s socialite 'Flapper Girls' that makes them interesting to write about. None of them seem to have led boring lives, and Isabel Pell is no exception. Not only was she unapologetically gay, admittedly at a time when it seemed the societal barriers to gay people and the norms of gender identity were beginning to shift, but she survived a plane crash into the sea off Denmark, and it's not often you get to write those words in an article about someone. The news article at the time remarked that she was travelling with the 'wife of a wealthy insurance broker', so make of that particular detail what you will. They both survived.
Isabel was living in France in 1940 when the Nazis turned up, and so she decided to make her story even more interesting by joining the French Resistance because fuck the Nazis. I told you it was interesting.
Isabel Townsend Pell, born on September 28, 1900, in New York City, was an American socialite who became a notable member of the French Resistance during World War II. Her life was marked by her bold personality, her relationships with influential women, and her courageous wartime activities.
Isabel Pell was born into a prominent family. Her father, Samuel Osgood Pell, was a real estate agent, and her mother, Isabel Audrey Townsend, came from a well-known family. After her parents’ divorce and her father’s untimely death, Isabel was raised by her uncle at the family mansion, Fort Ticonderoga. She attended prestigious schools, including the Holton-Arms School and the Spence School, and made her social debut in 1920.
Isabel’s early life was characterized by her involvement in high society. She was known for her athleticism and outspoken nature, earning the nickname “Pelly.” Despite her privileged background, she sought independence and worked in various roles, including as an actress and in real estate.
In 1933, Isabel was involved in a plane crash while flying between Copenhagen and Faleknberg. The plane crash-landed into the Kattegat, but Isabel and her ‘companion’ were rescued by a German freighter and taken to Copenhagen, uninjured.
Isabel Pell’s personal life was as vibrant as her public persona. She had several significant relationships with women, which were notable given the social norms of her time. One of her early relationships was with Eleonora Sears, a wealthy and influential sportswoman. Sears was known for her progressive lifestyle and was rumoured to have had romantic relationships with several women, including Isabel. Sears was a trailblazer in women’s sports, excelling in tennis, squash, and golf.
Another important figure in Isabel’s life was Renee Prahar, an American sculptor and actress. Their relationship was marked by a shared artistic sensibility and a deep emotional connection. Prahar was known for her avant-garde sculptures and her involvement in the bohemian art scene. Isabel and Renee’s relationship was a blend of artistic collaboration and romantic involvement, reflecting their shared passion for creativity and innovation.
Isabel also had a close friendship with Eva Le Gallienne, a renowned actress and theatre director. Le Gallienne was a prominent figure in the American theatre scene, known for her work in promoting repertory theatre and her dedication to the craft of acting. The two spent considerable time together, often driving through the countryside. Their friendship was based on a deep intellectual and emotional connection, with both women finding solace and inspiration in each other’s company.
Perhaps the most significant relationship in Isabel’s life was with Claire Charles-Roux, Marquise de Forbin. The two women met in France and became lovers. Their relationship was not only romantic but also a partnership in resistance activities during the war. Claire was a member of the French aristocracy, and her involvement in the resistance was driven by a strong sense of duty and patriotism. Isabel and Claire’s relationship was characterised by a shared commitment to the cause of freedom.
Isabel Pell’s most remarkable contributions came during World War II. When the war broke out, Isabel was living in France. She adopted the name “Fredericka” and joined the Maquis, a French resistance group. Known among the resistance as “the girl with the blonde mèche (lock),” Isabel played a crucial role in the fight against the Nazis.
Isabel’s resistance activities were daring and dangerous. She moved inland into the mountains and served for four years, from 1940 to 1944. During this time, she was involved in various operations, including smuggling information and rescuing stranded Allied soldiers. One of her notable achievements was rescuing 16 U.S. paratroopers who were trapped behind enemy lines. This operation required meticulous planning and immense courage, as Isabel had to navigate through enemy territory to reach the stranded soldiers.
In 1943, Isabel was captured by Italian soldiers and interned at Puget-Théniers. Despite her imprisonment, she continued to smuggle information to the resistance during her daily walks at the camp. Her ability to maintain her composure and continue her resistance activities even while imprisoned is a testament to her resilience and determination. After her release, she disguised herself as a peasant and continued her resistance activities with Claire Charles-Roux.
In addition to her work with the Maquis, Isabel and Claire joined the 1st Airborne Task Force (Allied) led by Major General Robert T. Frederick. This unit was involved in several key operations, including the liberation of Southern France. Major General Frederick once remarked about Isabel, "I think she came up there because she wanted a uniform. Well, we told her we didn’t have any women’s uniforms." Despite the lack of formal recognition, Isabel’s contributions were invaluable to the success of the Task Force’s missions.
Isabel’s bravery and contributions to the resistance did not go unrecognized. She was decorated with the Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest honors, for her service during the war. On November 28, 1944, the plaza in Puget-Théniers was renamed in her honour, a testament to the impact of her contributions to the resistance and her legacy in the community.
After the war, Isabel returned to the United States but continued to be remembered for her wartime heroism. She passed away on June 5, 1951, in New York City. Isabel’s life was a testament to her courage, independence, and the strength of her relationships with the women who were part of her journey.
Isabel Pell’s story is one of a woman who defied societal expectations and played a significant role in one of history’s most critical periods. Her relationships with influential women and her courageous actions during the war make her a remarkable figure worth remembering. Her life serves as an inspiration to those who seek to challenge societal norms and fight for what they believe in.
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What an amazing woman!