Little Cyclone: The Girl who Started the Comet Line

by Airey Neave

The exhilarating true story of the greatest escape route of the Second World War On a hot afternoon in August 1941, a 24-year-old Belgian woman walks into the British consulate in Bilbao, neutral Spain, and demands to see the consul. She presents him with a British soldier she has smuggled all the way from Brussels, through Occupied France and over the Pyrenees. It is a journey she will make countless times thereafter, at unthinkable danger to her own life. Her name is Andrée de Jongh, though she will come to be known as the ‘Little Cyclone’ in tribute to her extraordinary courage and tenacity. And she is an inspiration. From nursing wounded Allied servicemen, de Jongh will go on to establish the most famous escape line of the Second World War, saving the lives of more than 800 airmen and soldiers stranded behind enemy lines. The risks, however, will be enormous. The cost, unspeakably tragic. Her story is shot through with the constant terror of discovery and interception – of late-night knocks at the door, of disastrous moonlit river crossings, Gestapo infiltrators, firing squads and concentration camps. It is also a classic true story of fear overcome by giddying bravery. Originally published shortly after the war, Little Cyclone is a mesmerising tale of the best of humanity in the most unforgiving circumstances: a remarkable and inspiring account to rival the most dramatic of thrillers. Royalties from the sale of this book will go to the Airey Neave Trust.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, War, 20th Century, Espionage

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2013

About the author

Lt. Colonel Airey Middleton Sheffield Neave, OBE, DSO, MC, TD (23 January 1916 – 30 March 1979) was a British army officer, barrister, politician, and author.

During World War II, Neave was the first British officer to successfully escape from the German prisoner-of-war camp Oflag IV-C at Colditz Castle. For his wartime service, in 1948 the United States conferred the Bronze Star Medal upon him. He later became Conservative Member of Parliament for Abingdon.

Neave was assassinated in 1979 in a car-bomb attack at the House of Commons. The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), a spin-off of the IRA, claimed responsibility.

Reviews

[Cynthia (Bingeing On Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This girl is my hero. Truly. I first heard about Andree in Kristin Hannah's book, The Nightingale. In her author's note, she stated that the main character was loosely based on Andree de Jongh and I instantly wanted to know more. It was amazing just how many airmen that these people managed to save from the Nazis. It wasn't just Andree, although she was the brains behind the operation (girl power!). There were so many people involved and the author did an incredible job of building suspense. Sometimes nonfiction can be a bit dry and that's why I don't read too much of it. But most of this book actually read like a suspense novel and I loved it. The only thing I didn't like was that the author didn't focus on Andree as much as I would have liked. There were some things about her in the beginning, but then she was arrested and it became about the people continuing her work. I would have liked to know more about accounts from her perspective and about exactly how she started the work. But I was still very invested in all the characters and some of the story was heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time. Great read!

[cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never need “historic fiction” when there are real stories like this around. Anyone interested in the war must must must read this book about the amazing and heroic women and men who formed underground routes to save downed airmen over Europe and lead them through safe houses, mountains, and different countries and brutal terrain and hostile natives and Nazis...to freedom and a return to England where most would sign on again. I read stories like this and am Ashamed of our own whining and complaining generation.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting.

A truly amazing young girl with the heart of a lion. A great read.

[britt_brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andrée “Dédée” De Jongh, served as inspiration for the novel The Nightingale. She and her father stealthily created the Comet Line, an escape route to help allied soldiers/airmen get out of Belgium, through occupied France, into Spain, and back home. She and her numerous helpers eventually worked with British intelligence, including Airey Neave, who penned this book. It’s a bit dry, and there are a ton of people to keep straight, but it’s a fascinating story.

[J.S. Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honoured to meet DeeDee De Jongh in 2007 a few months before she died. Accompanied by two RAF veterans who were shot down in 1941/42 and repatriated back to the UK via the Comet line, we gathered for a ceremony honouring the little cyclone in the school in which her father was headmaster.
The airmen Bob (Frost) and Gordon (Hill?) were in awe of the woman who had led them from Brussels to Spain so many years before.
Bob told me of the Comet line and the sacrifices the helpers made (the day after he left Paris the helpers who had sheltered him were arrested and later killed) and the book is really about the line as a whole, not solely DeeDee.
The book is a fascinating story though could be ten times longer such is the history of the line. The reader will know this by the list of names of Comet members killed at the end of the book who largely aren't mentioned in the text.
The book was written not long after the events which may explain why certain names and events are not mentioned.
The writing is not the best but the story is one that needs to be told and read!
God bless those brave souls.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in awe of Andrée de Jongh (The Little Cyclone) and what she was able to achieve through nothing but her own determination. What further impresses is that the author himself escaped Colditz and mad a successful run back to Britain.

In her early twenties, even British Intelligence found it difficult to believe all that she had achieved and at first believed her story was tosh, suspecting she was working for the Germans.

A real thriller of a read.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title suggests that this is a biography of the woman who set up the Comet Line from Belgium to Spain, helping Allied airmen escape Occupied Europe. It isn't. It's more the story of the Line itself. Dedee de Jongh, the Little Cyclone herself, appears in the first part of the book and was obviously a hugely inspirational person to her colleagues. However, the book also talks about her fellow resistance fighters, people who followed in her footsteps, courting danger during the darkest days of the 20th century. One of my favourite was the formidable Tante Go, a woman who let nothing and no-one stop her on her mission to keep the Comet Line running.

Written by Airey Neave, who himself escaped Occupied Europe, the prose jumps around a bit and it isn't always clear when he's stopped talking about one thing and moved on to another. The writing occasionally gets a little misty-eyed too. However, Neave's admiration for the brave men and women of the Comet Line shines through.

Despite suffering betrayal and tragedy, the Comet Line lasted from its inception after the Fall of France and Belgium right through to the invasion of Normandy.

At the end of the book, there's a poignant list of all those Comet Line helpers who gave their lives to help spirit Allied soldiers and airman out of Occupied Europe back to England to once more take up the fight. The list makes sober reading, with many of those arrested being deported to concentration camps throughout the Reich. It highlighted for me the bravery of ordinary men and women - some young and but many of them middle-aged or elderly - who risked everything to defy the brutal German occupiers.

[Sangria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I'm already very proud to be a Basque-American but this book just makes the love stronger. The men & women who saved our American & British downed airman during WW2 & found them safe houses & safety. His them from the Nazis to much peril of their own lives and extended families. If you are a lover of history, this story is a must read and one that IMO doesn't ever get enough notice. I had read Kristin Hannahs Nightingale which was an ode to this true life account story, but actually reading about the real life heroes & heroines was wonderful. Andree de Jongh & all the others truly deserve to have their story told on the big screen. Recommend.

[Joanne Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of such bravery of this young woman 'DeeDee' and all her aides who helped DeeDee to set up this safe passage The 'Comet Line' from German controlled Belgium and France all the way down to spain to get British, American and other allies of the second world war to the safety of Britain. It was a marvellous read of such courage, strong will and determination along with such compassion. They encounter so many dangers of capture and betrayal. There was many times I couldn't breathe when they was so close to being captured.
A very inspiring read of True Heroes who sacrificed their lives and put their lives at such a dangerous risk for the lives of the their allies.

[Richard Damsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such incredible bravery and sacrifice. But what a fantastic morale booster when "presumed dead" airmen returned.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, this book was written in 1954 after WWII by Airey Neave who was with the "Little Cyclone" during her time running the Comet Line through Belgium, France, and into Spain. Neave was an intelligence agent during the war and later became a Member of Parliament. He died in 1979 in an IRA a car-bomb attack at the House of Commons.

The book is a quick read and very interesting. I keep finding that there is so much about this war that I do not know about. This story is one example. A young 24-year old Belgian woman begins smuggling British soldiers into Spain, bringing them over the Pyrenees. Her name is Andrée de Jongh, also known as Dedee and the "Little Cyclone." Dedee established the Comet Line, the most famous escape line of the Second World War, one that saved the lives of more than eight hundred airmen and soldiers stranded behind enemy lines. This story is about her, but also about the many others who helped make this cause a possibility. At the end of the book is a list of the many who died while helping these airmen and soldiers get back to England to fight against the Nazi regime. Something we should never forget.

[Amy Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Cyclone by Airey Neave written in 1954, is an account of the truly astounding people that made up the famous Comet Line that managed to smuggle out Allied pilots from Brussels and Occupied France during World War 2.

A sobering read that made me think just what it takes to risk it all for something you truly believe in, a better world. I was moved to read this after reading the fiction novel "The Nightingale" which was inspired by these true events and the remarkable 24 year old Andrèe 'Dedee' de Jongh. This book follows not just her story, but also ensures that all the extraordinarily brave men and women that risked or lost their lives are not forgotten.

I am so glad I read about these courageous people and it reminds me of the good people can do in the most heinous of times. A short but powerful read ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Andrée de Jongh is fascinating and the courage of those who ran the comet line is inspiring. I wish the book was more well-written. I found it difficult to follow at times. I was expecting more of a biography of de Jongh; however this book was more of a story of the comet line itself. The author strives to tell the stories of the most important contributors to the effort. At times, it is difficult to keep track of who’s who. In spite of this, I’m glad I read the book, because it gave me insight into the bravery and sacrifice of so many during the war.

[Sheri S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Andree de Jongh, the real life woman upon whom the main character of the Nightingale is based. Andree de Jongh, known as Dedee, begins the Comet Line to safely pass Allied soldiers from Occupied France to Spain. She is a daring and inspiring individual who continually put herself at risk. Many brave people worked alongside Dedee to save the lives of hundreds of Allied airmen and soldiers. I am glad that the efforts and sacrifices of such courageous people are being recognized in the pages of this book and in books like it.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This account of the WWII Comet Line was just incredible. The stories of such bravery, courage, loyalty, and determination. It was absolutely inspiring. The book was straight to the point and direct to give the facts. There was no fluff. I picked this up after seeing it mentioned in the authors note of The Nightingale. I’m glad I did. I enjoyed learning more about the hundreds of men and women who aided the Allies in rescuing airmen. There is some nonfiction books that make historical fiction seem unnecessary because the true history is so interesting. This is definitely one of those.

[Elizabeth R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most organized or perhaps fully accurate account (he was overly adulatory about some of the events, and obviously was making up thoughts and events when he couldn’t possibly have spoken to anyone who was present), but a lovely and loving memorial to the Comet Line, a system of incredible daring and bravery

[Loesje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non fictional, but well worth.

[andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Freedom Line better but this was good too.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courageous men and women who saved many

I typically enjoyed this book. I read every name at the end to keep alive their sacrifice for many men must read

[Steven Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Amazing writing. I could not put it down. Amazing bravery from beginning to end. A must read!! 5 stars !

[Erin Cloutier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful true stories, just wish the English translation made more sense with the way they structured sentences.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Potentially a very interesting subject but the writing is poor.

[Febe Allyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prachtige getuigenis, maar slecht vertaald met teveel fouten en de schrijfstijl is vaak te lovend en bewonderend voor de hoofdpersonages. Dit maakt het als boek zelf geen sterk staaltje schrijfkunst. Gelukkig is er nog het verhaal zelf dat boekdelen spreekt.

[Heather The Fruit Bat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read about the Belgium escape Comet line during WW2 and it’s eventual distraction by an infiltrator.

[Tim t' Kint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Airey Neave, de auteur van dit boek, was een Brits militair in WO2, die er als allereerste in slaagde om te ontsnappen uit het beruchte krijgsgevangenenkamp Colditz. Hij ging vervolgens aan de slag bij de militaire inlichtingendienst. In die hoedanigheid was hij vooral bezig met ontsnappingslijnen. Dat waren verzetsorganisaties in bezet Europa, die zich ontfermden over geallieerde piloten die zich met een parachute hadden moeten redden toen hun vliegtuigen neergestort waren boven Europa. De ontsnappingslijnen zorgden er voor dat die piloten terug in Engeland geraakten waardoor ze de strijd verder konden zetten.

Zo'n ontsnappingslijn was letterlijk een lijn of een keten van medewerkers en "safe houses" waarlangs de piloten gestuurd werden. Concreet werd een piloot opgepikt door een lokale verzetsgroep en werd dan via Brussel langs woningen van helpers gestuurd dwars doorheen Frankrijk tot aan de Pyreneeën. Daar werden ze de bergen over geleid om uiteindelijk via Spanje, Portugal of Gibraltar terug naar Engeland gebracht te worden. De piloten werden op elke etappe vergezeld van een escorte die hen hielp en ze werden ook voorzien van burgerkleren, valse papieren en natuurlijk ook eten en drinken. In vredestijd zou dat al een hele opdracht zijn, maar in oorlogstijd, met een bezetter die alles doet om je te pakken te krijgen, was het opzetten en onderhouden van een ontsnappingslijn een fenomenale én levensgevaarlijke onderneming.

Dit boek brengt het verhaal van de Komeet - ontsnappingslijn, de meest succesvolle ooit. Het focust daarbij op Andrée (alias Dédé) De Jongh, een jonge vrouw, die aan het hoofd stond van Komeet. Haar verhaal en van de mensen om haar heen zijn zonder meer verbazend: de dapperheid van de medewerkers van deze ontsnappingslijn, de roekeloosheid en soms ook de naïviteit zijn ook nu nog, na al die jaren, bijzonder indrukwekkend.

Dat ze levensgevaarlijk werk deden, wisten Dédéen haar companen - zeker toen er een flink deel van hen opgepakt werden, waarvan een aantal gefussileerd werd en de rest in de concentratiekampen verdween, vanwaar er maar weinig na de oorlog terugkeerden. In totaal slaagde de ontsnappingslijn van Dédé er in om rond de 800 (!) piloten en bemanningsleden terug te smokkelen. De kost was echter hoog. 200 leden van haar organisatie overleven het niet.

Op een vlotte manier schetst Airey in zijn boek het leven van deze mensen, hij maakt ze menselijk door over hun privé leven te vertellen en laat je daardoor nog meer met hen meevoelen als ze in gevaar zijn, of als ze een overwinning behalen. Dat Airey zelf betrokken partij was en alle personages uit zijn boek gekend heeft, maakt het er des te waardevoller op.

De auteur bleef overigens ook na de oorlog een interessant leven leiden. Airey Neave kreeg dankzij zijn opleiding als jurist en het feit dat hij vloeiend Duits sprak, een rol bij de Nuremberg processen en ging nadien in de politiek. Hij werd verkozen voor de Conservative Party. Hij werd parlementair en was degene die de jonge Margaret Thatcher coachte tot ze voorzitter van haar partij werd. In 1979 werd Thatcher eerste minister en Neave moest haar minister voor Noord Ierland worden.
Zover is hij echter niet geraakt. Kort voor Thatcher haar compagnon de route had kunnen meenemen in haar regering, werd Neave zwaar gewond bij een aanslag met een autobom van de IRA. Neave verloor beide benen en overleed in het ziekenhuis aan de verwondingen.

Dédé heeft het allemaal nog meegemaakt. Airey Neave was één van de velen die ze rondom zich een gewelddadige dood zag sterven. Ze bleef haar leven in dienst stellen van anderen en werd na de oorlog verpleegster. Haar job bracht haar Kongo, Ethiopië en Senegal tot ze op latere leeftijd terugkeerde naar Brussel. In 1985 kreeg Andrée de Jongh van koning Boudewijn de titel van gravin. Ze overleed in 2007. Haar ontsnappingslijn Komeet wordt ook vandaag nog herdacht door een mars die de militaire school jaarlijks organiseert over de Pyreneeën langs de route die destijds ook gebruikt werd door de piloten. Voor de minder avontuurlijken is er de kapel in de basiliek van Koekelberg waar Komeet herdacht wordt, met onder andere een mooi brandglas. Maar gewoon dit boekje lezen is al een aangenaam, leerzaam én mooi begin.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Andree De Jongh was a young Belgian artist in her twenties, when the Germans invaded Brussels in 1940. Moved to help wounded Allied serviceman return to the UK, she helped to move them through Belgium, across France and the Pyrenees into Spain. With the help of the British consulate, she was able to assist in the escape of 800 soldiers and airmen.

This also came at an incredible cost to those who helped out, with one hundred and fifty six members of the Comet Line being killed, the majority at concentration camps. Daunting stuff, and the last few pages that mention all of their names and ages is sobering stuff.

This little book was originally published in 1954, and deservedly deserves it's new publication and place in libraries around the world. I would though have loved to hear much more about those that survived the war, with only a little bit of information at the end of the book.

[Paul Narloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure reading about the dogged determination of one so young and focussed. If any book should be used on curriculum's as a means to inspire.. this is a contender. Andree De Jongh requires a star named after her.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 stars.
This book is for anyone who has read and loved The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. The real life WWll heroine, Andree De Jongh, was a her inspiration for Hannah's Isabelle character. This brave young lady was the one who set up the Comet Line that ended up saving 800 allied lives and got these young men back in the war and up in the air to continue the fight against the Nazis. Hundreds of brave men, women and children helped Andree along the Comet Line. This book tells many of their stories as well. You will see bits and pieces of Hannah's other characters in this true story. Very inspirational!

[Geoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subject matter is really interesting - the French resistance during WWII is a gripping story of courage, revenge and survival (in particular the setting up and running of the Comet Line, a escape route for airmen shot down in France and Belgium) - but Neave's prose is dry and rather monochromatic and it was this that made it something of a let-down.

[Dufay12 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story, but poorly written. Too much invention around the character, temperament and imagined emotions of the people involved. Made it feel more like a story and therefore took away from the impact of what these people actually did and achieved.