OUR EILEEN PASSES AWAY

We received some very sad news on Friday. Candy Jar's very own Eileen Younghusband has died in hospital in Cardiff at the age of 95.

 

Born in London, Eileen joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during World War Two and worked in the Filter Room, the top secret hub of Britain’s air defence, which processed information from coastal radar stations to give air raid warnings and enable the RAF to intercept German bombers. After D-day, she was sent to Belgium with a small team of women using their mathematical skill to locate the mobile launchers for the V2 rockets then raining down on London and Antwerp.

After the war, she spent most of her life in hotels and catering. She moved to Wales in 1984 and became known for her campaigning on health and education issues. She was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012, for her tireless work against cuts to adult education.

At the age of 87, she completed a degree from the Open University and was named as one of its Students of the Year. Her autobiography Not an Ordinary Life was published the following year and began a series of books and talks about her wartime experiences.

Her television appearances included BBC Breakfast, The One Show and Eggheads, as well as the BBC series Britain's Greatest Generation, Channel 4’s WW2: The Last Heroes, and the ITV Wales programme Welsh Heroes of World War Two. Her book One Woman’s War won a People’s Book Prize 2012/13 - something she was always incredibly proud of.

A life size figure of Eileen as a 21-year-old WAAF officer stands in a replica of a filter room at the Battle of Britain museum at Bentley Priory. Her advice on the WAAF was sought by historians, documentary makers and even a Hollywood scriptwriter. Her latest book Eileen’s War was written for children and was completed and published only weeks before her death.

Eileen saw Eileen’s War as her ‘legacy’ book. On the day of its release she said: “It is my hope that all children will read my book. I think it is really important to engage with young people about World War II. It’s a pivotal moment in our history. If my story can live on from generation to generation this will be wonderful."

From those who only met her on occasion to those who knew her well, Eileen made a remarkable impression on everybody she spoke to. We at Candy Jar knew her as a fiercely determined author, a brave and inspiring woman, and a very dear friend. We will miss her lots, but we feel very lucky to have known her and played a small part in the adventure of her life.

Happy 95th Birthday Eileen!

Candy Jar is delighted to be able to say "Happy 95th Birthday!" to the incredible Eileen Younghusband today. Reaching such a golden age is only one of the formidable achievements this lady had made throughout her time, and we'd like to take this opportunity to share a few more today!

Aged 16, Eileen joined the Women's Auxilliary Air Force in 1941 in one of the top secret roles: Clerk Special Duties. She and her co-workers had to sign the Official Secrets Act, preventing them from telling their families and friends about the work they did in the unknown Filter Rooms.

In the war years that followed, Eileen proved herself and went further and further up the ranks, becoming one of the youngest Filterer Officers ever. Any historic event, from the Little Boats of Dunkirk to the time Winston Churchill accidentally flew in without his "IFF" (Information Friend or Foe) signal - Eileen Younghusband was there.

On June 6th 1944, Eileen was working on shift during Operation Neptune, the code name for the D-Day landings of Allied Forces on the French coast and celebrated the success with her co-workers.

On September 8th 1944, Eileen received the "Big Ben" alert, indicating the first V2 rocket launch from Germany against London - one of the most iconic moments in history.

Credit: Warren Allott

On November 16th 1944, Eileen was sent onwards to Second Tactical Air Force in Beligum, gifted the task of working within a highly specialised team to detect the V2 rocket launchers until June 1945.

When VE Day arrived, and Germany had been defeated, Eileen's job wasn't at an end. She was sent to Breendonk, a liberated concentration camp, where she was instructed to act as a guide and translator to RAF officers sent there to learn of the horrors thathad occurred.

In the post-war years, Eileen has remained an unstoppable force. Aged 87, Eileen achieved one of her life's ambitions of attaining a university degree, and remains an active campaigner for health and education. Due to the Official Secrets Act, for 30 years after the war Eileen's story remained a secret from all she knew; her friends,  her family, and even her husband Peter Younghusband whom she married in 1945 and their son Clive Younghusband, born 1946.

It wasn't until 2011 when Eileen published her first war-time autobiography that her story, and the story of thousands of other women, was told.

One Woman's War went on to win the People's Book Prize 2012/13, and has become a widely recognised authority on the realities of war-time Britain and the role of of the women in the Filter Rooms in the Second World War.

Now, Eileen feels that it's time to share her story with the younger generation. Launched today, on her 95th birthday, Candy Jar is honoured to announce the publication of Eileen's third book Eileen's War.

As veterans gradually age and pass away, many of them taking their memories with them, Eileen sees her children’s memoir as her ‘legacy’ book. She says: “I think it is really important to engage with young people about World War II. It’s a pivotal moment in our history. I feel my book helps to make a sense of the insecurities we all face at the moment. In truth I am not going to be around forever, but if my story can live on from generation to generation this will be wonderful.”

Eileen continues: “When I wrote One Woman’s War I wanted to shine a light on the work done by the women of the Filter Room. At the time our position in history had almost been forgotten. Now I am so proud that the women’s contribution has been acknowledged.”

Once again, Eileen tells the story of the Second World War with frank and charming voice, peppered with hilarious anecdotes of a young girl who found herself in the middle of it all. Eileen's War is the legacy of an inspiring true story which will live on. Fans of Roald Dah's Boy and Flying Solo, and Jennifor Worth's Call The Midwife will love Eileen's latest memoir. You can order yours today here.

From everybody here at Candy Jar Books, we're so proud to be able to celebrate and share the work of one incredible golden lady. Her ambition, drive and outlook on life inspires each of us here, and we're delighted for Eileen Younghusband to be a friend of Candy Jar Books.

Happy Birthday Eileen, you are a true hero. 

75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, St Paul’s Cathedral

Candy Jar author and treasured WAAF veteran Eileen Younghusband was one of the many dedicated attendees to visited St Paul’s Cathedral to pay their respects yesterday at the ceremony to commemorate the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Eileen stood proudly alongside current RAF personnel and with former RAF veterans, as well as fellow RAF veteran William Clark.

Credit: Libby Wiener/ITV News

Credit: Libby Wiener/ITV News

The Battle of Britain stands as one of the most iconic events in Eileen’s long and fascinating life. Widely commended as honest and authoritative voice in stories told of the Second World War, Eileen joined the forces at the young age of eighteen and played a crucial role in the fight against Hitler as the first to detect the V2 bombs as they approached London in. Her two books published by Candy Jar, Men I Have Known and One Woman’s War tell her story, from anecdotes of her meetings with prominent historical figures to her time in the radar rooms of WW2.

Eileen, as a prevalent literary figure as well as a promoter of adult education, also recently attended the esteemed literary event The Hay Festival, where she spoke at length to The Telegraph’s Martin Chilton and his audience about her books and the fascinating events in her life which inspired them. Both books can be purchased from via Amazon and the Candy Jar website

                                  

Candy Jar is extremely proud of Eileen, who proves time and time again to be a figure worthy of respect and admiration!

EILEEN TAKES A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE!

For many it would have been an informative trip to the museum, but for Eileen Younghusband, visiting the Bentley Priory on Thursday was an experience of enormous nostalgia.

Bentley Priory

The cause of her visit was for the commemoration of Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding - the man who led the team of officers working with Radar information collected from the stations around Britain's coast to detect enemy fire. The day featured a reveal of the site's recreation of the famous Filter room - where Eileen worked relentlessly during WW2 when detecting enemy V2 rockets headed for Britain. She was accompanied by eight other WAAF veterans as part of the event's VIP guests.

The unveiling of the Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding statuette

The Filter Room was of vital importance to the outcome of the Battle of Britain, with the air-raid warnings a direct result of the WAAF's work in calculating the necessary information to detect where and when potential attacks were to occur.

However, the day was made even more significant due to the attendance of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Eileen was able to share a few moments of chatter with Prince Charles, speaking about her experiences of the war. In a bizarre reflection of history, they were surrounded by commemorative bronze statues of the various members who worked in the Filter Room - one of which was modelled after Eileen herself. She spoke of the Prince of Wales in high regard, stating that he had "a great sense of humour."

Eileen's statue proudly stands as the display's centrepiece

Ultimately, the event took place in order to acknowledge the secret efforts made to ensure the protection of Britain. Speaking of the day, Eileen says "For me, it was sadness and joy mixed together - remembering the dedication and comradeship of my fellow WAAF no longer here, but also reliving those days of struggle and hard work. It was a unique day and one which I will never forget."

ONE WOMAN'S PHWOAR!

Our award-winning author, Eileen Younghusband, got a visit yesterday from her friend, actor John Barrowman, who also appears in her latest book, Men I Have Known. Mr Barrowman posted a picture of the visit which you can see by following this link. 

CALL TO ARMS

The BBC is hoping to make a documentary about the work of the Filter Room –  part of Fighter Command, during World War II. They already have some excellent potential interviewees and archive footage. However they need some help finding the programme's presenter.

As such, they are looking for a well-known woman with a mother or grandmother in the WAAF. Are you an actor, presenter or journalist with such a background?

Or are you a WAAF veteran who has a famous relation in the media. If you can help please contact Dina Mufti on 02920322143 or 07976 599212

V2 ROCKET FOUND IN HARWICH

Recently a V2 rocket used during the Second World War was discovered in Harwich Harbour, Essex. A local sailing club spotted what looked like the tail of a rocket breaking the service of the water. Once the police had been informed a team of Royal Navy divers were called to the scene to investigate, as well as the Bomb Disposal Squad. WW2 veteran, EileenYounghusband, knows all too well about the dangers of the V2 rockets. She served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and was tasked with detecting and tracking enemy planes and the V2 rockets in the wartime Filter Rooms.

 

90-year-old Eileen, who was the first person to track a V2 rocket, feels the location of the discovered V2 is quite interesting. She said: “It’s all very strange. It’s not where I would have expected it to be. The V2s were designed to travel great distances. If they were launched from Pas-de-Calais they were aimed at London, from Rotterdam they were aimed at Antwerp. This one must have been faulty.”

 

She continues: “These weapons were so different from the bombing of the Blitz when people could see and hear the aircraft and recognise that our fighters were up there retaliating. The V2s were something else. If you heard one, the chances are you were going to die."

 

Eileen’s book, ‘One Woman’s War’, which details her time in the Filter Room, is available now from www.onewomanswar.co.uk.

NOT AN ORDINARY LIFE - NOW AVAILABLE ON KINDLE!

Candy Jar is proud to announce that Eileen's first book, Not An Ordinary Life, is now available via Kindle.

From London suburbs to French au pair, city clerk to secret War Room, V2 detection to VE-Day, concentration camp guide to language teacher, pig breeder to busy hotelier and scrap metal Queen—then bachelor’s degree in her eighty-seventh year! This autobiographical book tells of how changing times brought historical events into the life of an extraordinary woman.

Since this book was first released in 2009, Eileen has gone on to write 'One Woman's War', a critically acclaimed account of her time serving in the WAAF in World War Two. For this electronic version, she has brought her life story up to date by adding a new chapter, writing about her experiences of becoming a celebrity author at the age of 90!

You can buy the Kindle version of Not An Ordinary Life here.

Candy Jar Books
One Woman's War

ONE WOMAN'S WAR - COMING SOON ON DVD!

Candy Jar is pleased to announce the forthcoming DVD, based on the critically acclaimed memoir One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband.

Eileen Younghusband (90) was just 18 when she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She quickly demonstrated her keen intellect and mathematical skills, playing a crucial role in Fighter Command’s underground Filter Room.

Working grueling shifts under enormous pressure she and her companions worked tirelessly, tracking the swarms of enemy aircraft that sought to break the British resolve. She even had the dubious honour of detecting the first of Hitler’s devastating V2 rockets as it fell on an unsuspecting London.

In 2011, Candy Jar Books published Eileen's memoir to critical and commercial success.

Now, this DVD goes beyond the book and delves deeper into Eileen's wartime experiences as she gives a frank and revealing interview about her experiences leading up to and during the Second World War.

Running Time: Approx. 60mins
Format: PAL, Widescreen (16:9)
Classification: Exempt

The One Woman's War DVD will be available this spring. To pre-order your copy of the DVD, please go here. Any orders made prior to release with benefit from priority dispatch.

www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candy-jar.co.uk

WARTIME CHRISTMAS WITH EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND

We recently filmed some interviews with Eileen Younghusband, and asked her to talk about her wartime experiences.

To find out more, visit:
www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candy-jar.co.uk

A PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Candy Jar's popular title, One Woman's War, is now available gift-wrapped for Christmas and signed by the author, Eileen Younghusband*.

Priced at just £16.99 (plus p&p), you can order direct from Candy Jar Books, or via the Amazon store.

Make sure you get your order in early! Final post for Royal Mail is Wednesday the 14th December (for more information on Last Posting Dates for Christmas, please visit the Royal Mail website).

*While stocks last.

To find out more about Candy Jar Books, please visit the Candy Jar site:
www.candy-jar.co.uk 

EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND AT WELSH FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE

Eillen Younghusband, war veteran and author of 'One Woman's War', published by Candy Jar, was a guest of honour at the official opening of the Welsh Field of Remembrance at Cardiff Castle yesterday.

During the service, which was also attended by Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, Eileen was invited to lay a cross in memory of those who have lost their lives whilst serving in the defence of our country in the armed forces.

90-year-old Eileen said: "I feel that remembrance services are vital for all ages. For the veterans it takes them back to probably the bravest time of their life, and helps them to remember the sacrifices of those they knew. For younger generations, it helps people to realise how the safety they enjoy was secured through sacrifices of their families. This allows us all to appreciate how important times of peace really are."

The service, along with an interview with Eileen, was featured on ITV Wales Tonight, and is available to view at http://www.itv.com/wales/welsh-field-of-remembrance-opens-at-cardiff-castle88405/

After the service Eileen gave a talk about her wartime experiences, which was held at the Firing Line exhibit and was a great success, with seats running out and the event becoming standing room only.

WE REMEMBER - 11/11/11/11

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011 (11-11-11-11) we will be remembering those who were willing to lay down their lives for their country.

Candy Jar will give £1 for every copy of the book sold through their website, Amazon shop, and on Play.com on November 11^th 2011 to The Royal British Legion.

AUTHOR, EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND APPEARS ON BBC BREAKFAST

Yesterday, Eileen Younghusband appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about her time serving in the WAAF during World War Two. You can watch the clip here:

AUTHOR, EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND GIVEN 'FREEDOM OF BLETCHLEY PARK'

Eileen Younghusband, 90, author of ‘One Woman’s War’, appeared at Bletchley Park last weekend (Saturday the 3rd September) to share her wartime experiences and also receive “freedom of the park” in recognition of her work.

Eileen will also be appearing on BBC Breakfast News on Wednesday the 7th September to talk about her life.

To buy your copy of 'One Woman's War' go here: www.onewomanswar.co.uk

A Candy Jar Book: www.candy-jar.co.uk

ONE WOMAN'S WAR NOW AVAILABLE TO BUY!

One Woman's War, the latest publication from Candy Jar Books, was officially launched today at RAF St Athan on the same day as the author's 90th birthday.

Eileen Younghusband, a former member of the WAAF, celebrated in style by sharing a glass of Champagne with Wing Commander Lyndon Jones, who just happens to share the very same birthday (and is exactly half her age). Eileen was treated to a tour of the base in the 'Queenie' Land Rover - a vehicle normally reserved for royal vistors - before meeting young RAF recruits and other VIPs over coffee and cake.

In 1940, Winston Churchill made one of his most stirring speeches. In his address, given in Parliament, he praised the Battle of Britain aircrews and immortalised them as “The Few”. Alongside them was another group – even fewer and mostly women – whose work was too secret to acknowledge. These were the young women in the Filter Room, calculating the targets of the Luftwaffe’s bombing fleets from information supplied by Britain’s pioneering Radar network.

One Woman's War reveals the truth about the forgotten wartime women, barely out of their teens, who were employed for this critical job because they were quicker than men. They were given an awesome responsibility, working against the clock, knowing that their cool head and proficiency at maths could make the difference between a bomber being shot down in flames or getting through to drop its deadly cargo on a British city.

The book also has contributions from Dame Vera Lynn and Emma Soames. Emma Soames, who is Winston Churchill’s granddaughter and editor-at-large at Saga Magazine, believes that this story must be heard. She says: “It is excellent to be reminded what a great debt we owe to this group of brave, dedicated young women who, in a highly charged and stressful situation, where time was of the essence, did so much to save our country from destruction. One Woman’s War adds to the war archive that becomes increasingly important as the participants in the 1939-45 war gradually age and pass away, many of them taking their memories with them. As well as producing this readable account of her years in uniform, Eileen Younghusband has brought an extraordinary period and a previously unrecorded part of our air defences to life.”

One Woman's War is now available from the Candy Jar Bookstore and is priced £15.99 (plus p&p).

www.onewomanswar.co.uk

www.candy-jar.co.uk

AN EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN - AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE

Candy Jar's newest title, One Woman's War, is due to be launched on the 4th July 2011.

The Second World War is dominated by heroic tales of men defending their country against a formidable enemy but what about the women who also played their part in fighting for freedom? Eileen Younghusband (90) was just 18 when she joined the Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

She quickly demonstrated her keen intellect and mathematical skills, playing a crucial role in Fighter Command’s underground Filter Room. Working gruelling shifts under enormous pressure she and her companions worked tirelessly, tracking the swarms of enemy aircraft that sought to break the British resolve. She even had the dubious honour of detecting the first of Hitler’s devastating V2 rockets as it fell on an unsuspecting London.

One Woman's War gives a vivid insight into the life of a young woman facing the grim reality of war.

Available from Candy Jar Books, One Woman's War retails at £15.99 and can be purchased from the Candy Jar Webstore.

For more information, visit: www.onewomanswar.co.uk.