NANCY Wake, known as the White Mouse for her exploits in World War II, will receive the highest Australian honour available, ending years of controversy over the lack of recognition she has received from the federal Government.

Ms Wake has received more decorations than any other woman in the Allied forces, but they came from Britain, the US and France — including the French Medaille de la Resistance and Chevalier de Legion d’Honneur.

One commentator noted that while French police salute her and halt traffic to let her cross the road, “Australia has given her nothing”.

Now 91 and living in England in declining health, Ms Wake will be appointed a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

She was one of Australia’s best-known World War II heroines. The character in the book and film Charlotte Gray was based on her.

She played an important role with the French Resistance during the war in helping to smuggle to safety many troops and prisoners of war. She was code-named the White Mouse by the Gestapo because of her ability to evade capture.

Ms Wake became the Gestapo’s most wanted person due to her daring missions as a saboteur, organiser and resistance fighter.

Ms Wake was brought to Australia from New Zealand by her parents when she was two and fought for the Allies, not Australia, both factors in the Australian Government refusing to decorate her.

But yesterday Governor-General Michael Jeffery issued a statement saying arrangements were under way for him to conduct an investiture ceremony in London early next month.

Credit: Nancy Wake, the White Mouse