London, Nov. 5

A bronze bust of Noor Inayat Khan also known as ‘Spy Princess’ for her role in a dangerous secret mission against the Nazis, will be unveiled by Princess Anne in London on Nov. 8.

The bust is sculpted by Karen Newman, a London-based artist and will be installed in the north-east corner of Gordon Square, near the house where Noor lived and spent her off-days reading on a bench in the Square.

Basu, author of Spy Princess, The Life of Noor Inayat Khan and the founder of Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust, which raised 60,000 Pounds from the public for the memorial said that the memorial for Noor in Gordon Square would ensure that her story of bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten by the future generations.

Noor Inayat Khan was born to an Indian father Hazrath Inayat Khan and an American mother Ora Ray Baker in the Soviet Union on 1st January 1914. Noor was a descendant of Tipu Sultan, the 18th century ruler of Mysore. Noor’s family lived in London and moved to Paris when Noor was just six years old. On the outbreak of the Second World War she trained as a nurse with the Red Cross.

In May 1940 France was invaded by the German Army. Just before the French government surrendered she escaped to London with her mother and sister.

Noor volunteered for the war effort and joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and was eventually recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE).

Noor was the first woman operator to be infiltrated into occupied France and did crucial work for the allies. She was betrayed, captured and finally killed in the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Noor IUnayat Khan was posthumously awarded the George Cross by Britain and Croix de Guere award by France.

source:  http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / November 06th, 2012