10 April 2020
Discover the story of Noor Inayat-Khan in our new online exhibition
Our charity arm, the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF) has introduced a new interactive way for families and young women to explore the story of the remarkable spy princess, Noor Inayat-Khan.
The exhibition “Noor Inayat-Khan: A Woman of Conspicuous Courage” is also now available online, so the public can discover the story of Noor and learn more about the Runnymede Memorial from their homes. While people can’t currently visit the site, the CWGF is opening up this experience to people online, making it more accessible.
The digital exhibition has been developed with the help of young women from the Girlguiding Association in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, who have turned the story of this inspiring female heroine of the Second World War, into a ground-breaking experience and learning resource for young women, shaped by young women.
Noor’s story is remarkable. Armed with a false passport and a pistol, Noor became the first female radio operator to be sent to Nazi–occupied France. Noor was an unlikely candidate to engage in espionage in the Second World War, but she did so with a “steely strength of will”. During her mission she was captured and tortured for information but never gave anything away and was eventually executed by the Nazis. In 1949 Noor was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest civilian award for bravery.
Alongside the digital exhibition, we have created a series of downloadable learning resources. These engaging, informative presentations and activities explore Noor's journey from her childhood in Russia and France through to her heroic actions during the Second World War.
These lesson plans are designed for Key Stage Three and Four, with five downloadable presentations as well as supplementary resources. They aim to encourage students to learn more about the role of women during the war and to trigger questions and conversations about morality, duty and legacy - helping to inspire the next generation of history makers.