Clare Hollingworth

The British journalist who broke news of WWII's outbreak with guerrilla reporting tactics

Clare Hollingworth (1911-2017) pioneered frontline war journalism as the first reporter to announce WWII's start. In August 1939, while working for The Daily Telegraph, she smuggled herself into Nazi Germany and spotted tank formations near Polish border - scoop immortalized as 'Hollingworth's Exclusive'.

Her career spanned 60+ conflict zones using unconventional methods: She interviewed Tito disguised as nurse in Yugoslavia, exposed Vietnam War atrocities through refugee testimonies. Despite The Guardian initially rejecting her for 'women can't cover wars', she became first female correspondent awarded British Press Awards' 'Journalist of the Year' (1962).

Hollingworth's refugee advocacy began in 1938 when she helped 3000+ escape Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Her memoir 'Front Line' documents ethical dilemmas in war reporting. At 105, she remained active, symbolizing journalistic tenacity against age/gender barriers.