British espionage agent, Noor Inayat Khan will be remembered on the new homes.
Khan’s name including two more veterans was reportedly chosen by residents on the Maitland Park estate from a shortlist of famous Camden people who, the Town Hall says, represent the borough’s diverse communities. The ribbon is due to be cut on the development next year. Historians played a key role in shortlisting these names.
Camden’s equalities chief, Labour councillor Abdul Hai, said he had “great pride” at the final three, which he described as “remarkable, inspirational individuals who showed immense courage in their lives and left lasting legacies for us all”.
“We hope residents enjoy living in these brand new blocks and being part of the modern-day Camden community.”
According to Camden New Journal, there had previously been suggestions that Cecil Rhodes House in Somers Town might be renamed in Ms Khan’s honour following racial injustice protests. Residents opted not to name their block after anybody on that occasion – and it is now called Park View House. Instead, Ms Khan’s name will go above the door at Maitland Park.
Inayat Khan was captured after being betrayed, and executed at Dachau concentration camp. She was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her service in the SOE, the highest civilian decoration in the United Kingdom. Her last word was reported as “Liberté” — freedom. She was 30. Noor-un-Nisa Inayat-Khan (meaning 'light of womanhood') was awarded the posthumous George Cross and MBE. She was the first female radio operator be sent into Nazi-occupied France and is also remembered as Britain's first Muslim war heroine. Noor Inayat Khan is the first woman of Indian origin to be remembered with a Blue Plaque.
