Inayat Khan

Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan, also known as Nora Inayat-Khan, was born in Moscow in 1914 to an Indian Muslim father and an American mother. Her father, Inayat Khan, was a Sufi teacher and musician, and a descendant of Tipu Sultan. The family relocated to Britain and later France, where Noor studied child psychology and music. She began a writing career, publishing poetry and children's stories, including 'Twenty Jataka Tales'.

Influenced by pacifist ideals, Inayat Khan joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in 1940 as a wireless operator. She was later recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and became the first female wireless operator sent into occupied France during World War II. Despite initial concerns from some instructors regarding her sensitive and emotional nature, her dedication was recognized. She was betrayed, captured, and ultimately executed at Dachau concentration camp in 1944. Inayat Khan was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her bravery.

Born in Moscow in 1914, Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan was the eldest of four children. Her father, Inayat Khan, was a musician and teacher of Sufism who hailed from a distinguished Indian Muslim family with a lineage tracing back to Tipu Sultan. Her mother, Ora Ray Baker, was American, having met Inayat Khan during his travels in the United States. The family moved to Britain before World War I and later settled in Suresnes, France. Noor was described as a quiet and sensitive child. Following her father's death in 1927, she assumed responsibility for her younger siblings. She pursued studies in child psychology at the Sorbonne and music at the Paris Conservatory, where she studied under Nadia Boulanger and composed for harp and piano.

In her youth, Noor Inayat Khan developed a career as a writer, contributing poetry and stories for children in both English and French. She was a regular contributor to children's magazines and appeared on French radio. Her book, 'Twenty Jataka Tales,' inspired by Buddhist narratives, was published in London in 1939. This early work showcased her engagement with spiritual and philosophical traditions, reflecting her family's Sufi background and her own contemplative nature.

During World War II, following the Nazi occupation of France, Noor and her family fled to Britain. Despite her pacifist upbringing, she felt compelled to contribute to the war effort against Nazi tyranny. She joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in 1940, training as a wireless operator. Her aptitude and desire for more active service led to her recruitment into the Special Operations Executive (SOE). She was assigned to F (France) Section and underwent specialized training as a wireless operator for deployment in occupied territory, a role considered exceptionally dangerous. Her training included mock interrogations designed to test her resilience under duress.

Noor Inayat Khan became the first female wireless operator sent from the UK into occupied France by the SOE. Her mission was to maintain vital communication links for the French Resistance. Despite some instructors noting her gentle and emotional disposition, her commitment was strong. Her superiors, particularly Maurice Buckmaster, recognized her potential despite her training being cut short. The life expectancy for wireless operators in the field was very short, estimated at around six weeks due to the high risk of detection. Inayat Khan's mission was ultimately compromised; she was betrayed, captured by the Gestapo, and despite her efforts to maintain her cover, she was executed at Dachau concentration camp in September 1944. She was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her exceptional gallantry.

“I wish some Indians would win high military distinction in this war. If one or two could do something in the Allied service which was very brave and which everybody admired it would help to make a bridge between the English people and the Indians.”

“Not overburdened with brains but has worked hard and shown keenness, apart from some dislike of the security side of the course. She has an unstable and temperamental personality and it is very doubtful whether she is really suited to work in the field.”

“Nonsense”

“We don't want them overburdened with brains.”

“she confesses that she would not like to have to do anything 'two faced'”