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London ceremony honors Indian origin spy Noor Inayat Khan
The event, “Women in War,” was observed to recognize contributions that have often been overlooked in historical accounts.
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Rwittika Chakraborty - Tue, 10, Mar 2026
- 05:05 EDT
- 29
Noor Inayat Khan, a spy of Indian heritage who served with British intelligence during the Second World War. / Wikipedia
A Commonwealth Day wreath-laying remembrance ceremony in London paid tribute to the contributions of women in wartime, with particular attention to the legacy of Noor Inayat Khan, a spy of Indian heritage who served with British intelligence during the Second World War.
The ceremony was held at the Memorial Gates on March 9, where representatives from Commonwealth countries, diplomats, military representatives, veterans, and members of the public gathered to honour women who served in the First and Second World Wars.
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The event, “Women in War,” formed part of Commonwealth Day commemorations and was observed to recognize contributions that have often been overlooked in historical accounts.
Among the women commemorated, Noor Inayat Khan stood out for her role in the Allied war effort.
Born to an Indian Sufi family and raised in Europe, Khan, the British Indian Special Operations Executive agent, served in occupied France during the Second World War.
Operating under the codename ‘Madeleine,’ she became the first female wireless operator sent into Nazi-occupied territory. She was captured and executed at Dachau in 1944.
Speakers at the ceremony said Khan’s story represents the courage of countless women who served during the wars. Author and historian Shrabani Basu, said,
“Noor Inayat Khan represents the quiet courage of so many Commonwealth women who stepped forward in moments of global crisis.”
“This year, we remember in a special way the women of the Commonwealth who served. For every Noor Inayat Khan whose story we can tell, there are countless others whose names we do not know. In doing so, they bound our nations together in shared sacrifice,” said Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.
Royal British Legion’s Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson, paid a special tribute to Khan, and said,
“We also pay special tribute to Noor Inayat Khan, the only woman named amongst the Victoria and George Cross recipients on the pavilion at the Memorial Gates, whose courage stands as a powerful testament to the role of women in service – a vital role which continues to this day.”
The ceremony also honoured Begum Pasha Shah of India, among others.
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