On September 13, 1944, Noor Inayat Khan was executed by a single gunshot at Dachau concentration camp. She was just 30 years old.
Born to Indian and American parents, Noor grew up in Britain and France. During WWII, she volunteered for the Special Operations Executive, trained as a wireless operator, and parachuted into occupied France under the codename “Madeleine.”
Her role was one of the most dangerous in Europe. Wireless operators rarely survived more than six weeks. Noor lasted over three months, becoming the last surviving radio link between London and Paris. Even when given the chance to go home, she refused.
After being captured by the Gestapo, she tried to escape three times—once even attempting to climb onto the roof of Gestapo headquarters. Despite enduring torture, she never disclosed any names or information.
At Dachau, her final word was said to be “Liberté.”
Noor was posthumously awarded the George Cross and the Croix de Guerre. Her story is one of remarkable bravery—a woman who bore the weight of freedom until the very end.
