After the War

The SOE closed down in 1946, a few months after the end of the Second World War. Stories began to emerge of its secret activities and heroic agents. Citations for medals were published in the press, and books and films soon followed.

In 1949 Noor was awarded the George Cross, Britain’s highest civilian honour for bravery. She was one of only three woman SOE agents to be recognised in this way, along with Violette Szabo and Odette Sansom.

Because Noor has no known grave, her name is inscribed here on CWGC’s Runnymede Air Forces Memorial in Surrey – just over there, on panel 243. She is commemorated in other places too, including Gordon Square London, Dachau, and the Paris suburb where she lived before the war.

The story of Noor’s life and death has valuable lessons to teach us about perseverance in difficult circumstances, and how making the most of your unique talents can help to change the world.