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Not an Ordinary Life By Eileen Younghusband |
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I have written this book for all the young women who served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the dark days of World War Two and whose work and dedication to duty have never been recognised. Many of the public have learned of the coastal RADAR installations and have seen in war films, the apparent calm of the Operations Room. However, nothing has been told of the work done in the Filter Rooms of Fighter Command, the secret nerve centres for the defence of Britain, linking these two. It was in these crowded and hectic underground rooms where the RADAR information was collated, corrected and identified as friend or foe - all done at great speed. This vital information initiated the air raid warnings, Fighter interceptions, instigated Air Sea Rescue and advised Artillery units for gunlaying. It was the secret link, which defended Britain. Eileen To purchase ’Not an Ordinary Life’ Contact the author at: le.croissette@virgin.net Price £9.99 plus appropriate postage
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“A unique, personal and social insight into wartime Europe. For the generations born after the war it gives fascinating detail of day to day life and work. This is an important historic document of social, political and family history. A must read for anyone interested in World War Two and women at war”. Abbie Wightwick - Western Mail feature writer
"Perhaps the most fascinating part of Eileen's inspirational autobiography are the descriptions of her time in the WAAF. These chapters are hugely informative, and written with great clarity and honesty, as well as a lightness of touch. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the "hidden" history of the Second World War to read Not an Ordinary Life." Fred Mawer, Travel Journalist for The Daily Telegraph, Mail on Sunday and The Independent.
“Eileen Younghusband has lead a full and fascinating life as revealed in this remarkable autobiography. Her initiative and intelligence ensured that at the outbreak of war she played a crucial role in Fighter Command underground Filter Rooms Young wartime WAAF officers like Eileen Younghusband have not had the recognition they deserve for their work in defeating the enemy. They tracked invading aircraft while also tracking returning RAF planes accurately so that they could be rescued if they ditched into the sea. Eileen was then posted to Antwerp and saved countless civilian lives by helping to intercept V1 and V2 rockets. She gives us a vivid insight into what it was like to be a woman in the front line of a devastating war and a witness to the grim aftermath of the German occupation. It reminds us and generations to come of the debt we owe her and the women like her” Catherine Bailey - Film and Television Producer
“Eileen Younghusband’s autobiography - The title says it all:- Very few lives will have seen such experiences. Now in her late eighties, she shows all the determination and heart, fighting for what she believes in as she did playing her part against Hitler’s Vengeance weapons 65 years ago. It has been my privilege to have known Eileen for the last 6 years. I know her as an extraordinary woman with exceptional talent, commitment and wisdom; matched by a wonderful sense of fun! Her story is testament to it all. This captivating read narrates the ups, downs and experiences in the life of an extraordinary woman. I previously knew of a few exciting snippets of her life; I now find that she has kept up that same blistering pace for nearly ninety years.”
Lieutenant Colonel Simon West, Royal Artillery.
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BBC Radio Interview |
