"Agent Zo, the Untold Story of a Courageous WWII Resistance Fighter"

"Agent Zo, the Untold Story of a Courageous WWII Resistance Fighter"
With Clare Mulley

Details:

AGENT ZO tells the incredible story of Second World War resistance fighter Elżbieta Zawacka, aka ‘Zo’. The only woman to reach London as an emissary of the Polish Home Army command, Zo became the only female member of the Polish elite Special Forces, the ‘Silent Unseen’, trained in the British countryside. In 1943, she was the only woman to parachute from Britain to occupied Poland. There, while being hunted by the Gestapo, she played a key role in the largest organised act of defiance against Nazi Germany, the Warsaw Uprising. After the war, Zo continued to resist, but now the Soviet-imposed communist regime who not only imprisoned her, but also ensured that her remarkable story was hidden. Now, through new archival research and exclusive interviews with people who knew and fought alongside her, Clare Mulley brings this forgotten heroine back to life. ️

Clare Mulley is an award-winning author and public historian focused primarily on female experience during the Second World War. Her debut, THE WOMAN WHO SAVED THE CHILDREN, won the Daily Mail Biographers’ Club Prize and chronicles the life of Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children. In THE SPY WHO LOVED, Clare delves into the daring exploits of Krystyna Skarbek, aka Christine Granville, Britain’s first female special agent in WWII. This led to Clare receiving Poland’s cultural honour, the Bene Merito. THE WOMEN WHO FLEW FOR HITLER presents a gripping dual biography of Nazi Germany’s only female test pilots, the fanatical Nazi Hanna Reitsch and secret resister Melitta von Stauffenberg. Most recently, AGENT ZO explores the life of Elżbieta Zawacka, aka Zo, the only woman to parachute from Britain to Nazi German-occupied Poland, and who resisted both Nazi and Soviet regimes. AGENT ZO won the Polish Foreign Ministry History Book prize 2025, was short-listed for the Women’s Prize, and was awarded Military History Magazine’s Silver Award 2025. Beyond her writing, Clare contributes to historical documentaries for the BBC and other broadcasters, has judged several literary prizes, and writes for publications including The Spectator, TLS, Literary Review, Slightly Foxed, and BBC History Magazine. She lives with her husband, the sculptor Ian Wolter, and a dog who needs more baths. www.claremulley.com

Venue:
Morpeth Arms
58 Millbank
London
SW1P 4RW

Event Running Time:
(We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet/baby friendly?

Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.

Is the venue accessible?

All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.