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Witness History: World War Two history · Jan 23, 2024 · 9 min

Axis Sally: World War II traitor who broadcast for the Nazis

In 1949, Mildred Gillars – otherwise known as Axis Sally – became the first woman in American history to be convicted of treason. The former Broadway showgirl broadcast antisemitic Nazi propaganda on German State Radio during World War Two. Her weekly shows were heard by thousands of American servicemen who gave her the nickname Axis Sally. After her capture, she denied being a traitor, but a jury in Washington convicted her of treason, and she served 12 years in prison. Jane Wilkinson has been looking through the BBC archives to uncover her story. (Photo: Mildred Gillars. Credit: Bettmann, Getty Images)

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In 1949, Mildred Gillars – otherwise known as Axis Sally – became the first woman in American history to be convicted of treason.

The former Broadway showgirl broadcast antisemitic Nazi propaganda on German State Radio during World War Two.

Her weekly shows were heard by thousands of American servicemen who gave her the nickname Axis Sally.

After her capture, she denied being a traitor, but a jury in Washington convicted her of treason, and she served 12 years in prison. Jane Wilkinson has been looking through the BBC archives to uncover her story.

(Photo: Mildred Gillars. Credit: Bettmann, Getty Images)

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