Born: 1906 (Wigan, Lancashire)
Died: 1952
Biography:
Margery Myers Strohm, also known as Margery Kallus, was a British opera singer and World War II spy. Born in Hodges Street, Wigan, Lancashire in 1906, Margery was the daughter of Levi and Ada Booth. Her family later moved to Southport, where she grew up. Margery began her vocal training in Bolton with R. Evans, and then continued her studies in Knightsbridge with Eileen D’Orme. Her talent and dedication led her to win a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music in 1925, followed by the Opera Scholarship and Liza Lehmann Prize.
In her professional debut at the Queen’s Hall in Wigan on October 4, 1935, Margery showcased her marvelous vocal skills, captivating the audience with her stunning performances. She soon moved to London to pursue her career at Covent Garden, where she continued to develop her talents even further. However, her life took a drastic turn when she married Dr. Egon Strohm, a German from a brewing family in the Schwarzwald, which led her to emigrate to Germany.
Despite the challenges of living in a foreign country, Margery’s career flourished. She had the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues such as Bayreuth and the Berlin State Opera. While she made irregular appearances at Covent Garden, it was her portrayal of Carmen that truly brought her fame. Margery’s exceptional talent and charisma captivated audiences wherever she performed.
When World War II broke out, Margery became an unsuspected but immensely valuable spy. The Nazis, mistakenly trusting her, sent her to the Freigegeben (Open Prison) Stalag III-D, a camp for potential recruits to the British Free Corps. Here, Margery worked closely with British agent and fellow prisoner John Brown to gather crucial details of traitors. Incredible as it may seem, Margery even had the opportunity to sing before Adolf Hitler himself, right after a British officer had concealed secret documents in her dress. Hitler was so impressed that he sent her red roses wrapped in a Swastika flag.
In early 1944, Margery’s undercover activities came to the Gestapo’s attention, and she was arrested as a suspected spy. Despite enduring torture, Margery valiantly refused to reveal any classified information. Upon her release, she managed to make her way west and was ultimately liberated by the advancing US Army. The information she provided was essential in the conviction of Lord Haw Haw and John Amery, both of whom were executed for treason.
After the war, Margery returned to London. Unfortunately, she faced unjust rejection due to misconceptions that she was a Nazi sympathizer. As a result, she decided to emigrate once again, this time to New York. Tragically, Margery was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, which claimed her life on April 11, 1952, at the age of 46.
Margery Booth was a remarkable woman who not only left an indelible mark on the opera world but also played a crucial role in the fight against the Nazis during World War II. Her courage, talent, and determination continue to inspire and serve as a testament to the resilience of human spirit.