Jeanne Alix Smith grew up shaped by a chapter of World War II few people know. Born in Mauritius, off the coast of Madagascar, she was raised by unsung heroes of the war—her parents, Percy and Berthe Mayer—who served as covert intelligence agents in Madagascar, a region critical to Allied shipping routes and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean. Had they not done what they did, World War II—and the world as we know it today—may have turned out very differently.

This episode explores their story through the eyes of their daughter. We talk about childhood, escape, the joy of simplicity, leaving home, building a life across continents, and why preserving stories like these matters.

Welcome to episode thirty-two.

To read more, see the scanned newspaper article and the book Secret War Heroes linked below.

Check Out:

Durban’s Unsung Heroes Percy and Bearte Mayer

Secret War Heroes: The Men of Special Operations Executive

Elevate the Experience

Help bring better audio, video, and filmed episodes to life: VenmoI tithe 10% of all contributions—half to the All Secure Foundation (supporting soldiers’ transition home) and half to the Academy of the New Church High School.

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Instagram: @ethan.c.lewinContact: ethanchaselewin.com/contact

A Note from Me

I’m inspired by the stories people carry, the power of honest feedback, and the magic that happens when creative minds connect. If you’re a brand interested in partnering, let’s talk: LinkedIn.

Thanks for being part of this journey—PEACE!

Intro/Outro Music

Instagram: @julien_buss