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 IN THE HAY

Here at Candy Jar Books we're delighted to announce that Eileen Younghusband, hero of the Second World War, adult education campaigner and downright national treasure, will be appearing at this year's Hay Festival on 26th May 2015. Now into her ninth decade, Eileen, author of One Woman's War and Men I Have Known, both published by Candy Jar Books, is a natural raconteur, as evinced by her upcoming appearance in the BBC's Britain's Greatest Generation. Expect tales of her time in the Filter Room, the radar hub which orchestrated the RAF's heroic campaigns, from the Battle of Britain to the Dambuster raids, throughout World War Two. To read more, and to book tickets for this event, visit the website of our friends at the Hay Festival by clicking here.

EILEEN PAYS HER RESPECTS

Eileen is to visit the grave of Guy Gibson, the leader of the Dambusters, to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of his death. Eileen was one of the radar operators to track the Dambusters' daring raid on three German reservoirs, and is also a resident of Gibson's hometown, Penarth.

Gibson was killed on 19th September 1944 while on a raid, and is buried in Seenbergen, Holland. A Dutch family that has tended his grave since his death is to be presented with a commemorative Welsh miner's lamp in thanks.

Eileen is traveling out with Penarth's '617 group', which helps former servicemen and women. In recognition of Allied food-drops in the region, they will deliver two hundred chocolate bars, donated by Penarth newsagent Snells, to local schoolchildren.

Eileen's time as a radar operator overseeing the Dambuster raids, the D-Day landings and the Battle of Britain, is recounted in her book One Woman's War, available from Candy Jar Books.

http://www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/onewomanswar.html

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."

REMEMBERING THE FEW

Last month Eileen attended the 72^nd annual Battle of Britain Memorial Service at Westminster Abbey. Upon her arrival, Eileen was greeted and saluted by a guard of honour and her walk into the Abbey was framed by lines of RAF officers. She was then escorted to her reserved seat by current members of the RAF. She was seated with fellow veterans of the RADAR and Filter Room and next to fellow author Patricia Robbins (also known as, Claire Lorrimer). A number of pilots from the Battle of Britain and their families were also in attendance. The service was instigated in 1943 and originally held in St Paul’s Cathedral until the Battle of Britain Memorial Window was unveiled in the Abbey by King George VI in 1947.

The Chaplin in Chief, Raymond Pentland, gave the sermon, making reference to plotters and other members of the Dowding system that served in the Battle of Britain. The veterans were also honoured by the presence of royalty – the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Eileen really enjoyed the day and valued the opportunity to view the commemorative window at such a prestigious event. 

Hayley Cox

STAINED GLASS HERO

Eileen has opened the first memorial window commemorating the Dowding system and the work of the Top Secret Filter Rooms.

After an introduction by Air Commodore Gordon, the window was unveiled by Eileen, which represents the WAAF airwomen and Officers who worked on the Dowding system’s use of Radar. Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge then explained the pivotal role played by the system and especially the Filter Room during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.

Eileen was thrilled to be involved. Her book One Woman's War helped to make the public more aware of the importance of the Dowding System and is partially responsible for the creation of the window. She said: “Together with a fellow WAAF Officer I helped with the design of the window. This took me back to those dark days of war. As I removed the Union flag covering the brass plaque with my name on it, I thought of all who had worked with me and I admit there were tears in my eyes.”

The work of the Filter Room women was kept secret for thirty years. Eileen's book One Woman’s War reveals the truth about these forgotten wartime women, and has recently been nominated for The People's Book Prize. Winston Churchill stressed the little-known importance of this work. He is famous for saying: “All the ascendancy of the Hurricanes and Spitfires would have been fruitless but for the system known as the Dowding System.”

A documentary about Eileen's experiences will be shown on ITV Wales in early November.

Eileen is currently moving forward with her next title, Men I have Known, about the men she has met throughout her life, ranging from Winston Churchill to Dylan Thomas and the tyrant, Idi Amin. It is due to be published by Candy Jar Books later this year.

THE TOUR CONTINUES...

Eileen will be appearing at (or attending) these venues in the next few months:

September 12th
The Official Opening of the Battle of Britain Memorial Museum in Bentley Priory, the Wartime HQ of Fighter Command, under Air Chief Marshal Dowding, where she once served, to be opened by a member of the Royal family and where Pat Robins, the writer, and Eileen will be demonstrating how they worked in the Filter Room tracking the aircraft picked up by Radar and identifying them as friend or foe, in order to initiate fighter interception. 

August 3rd - 4th 
Eileen will be spending two days at Llancalach Fawr, the Manor House. This is a World War II reenactment weekend (where Hugh Turnbull is acting as commentator). Eileen is giving a talk each day on the Filter Room and will also be available for people to talk with her.

September 15th
Special service for the RAF at St. Paul’s Cathedral to commemorate the Battle of Britain

September 26th
Talk in Barry to All Saint’s Mothers! Union on the Filter room

October 3rd
Talk on Education during my Life – Teaching and Learning for the Retired Head Teachers Association in a Cardiff Hotel

FAIRWATER LIBRARY CELEBRATES WORLD BOOK NIGHT

Candy Jar has joined forces with Fairwater Library to celebrate ‘World Book Night’ on 23rd April with a special author signing at Fairwater Library. The event, which features two of Candy Jar’s top authors, Eileen Younghusband and Barbara Pontin, is expected to be popular with local residents.

First to appear will be former WAAF, Eileen Younghusband, who has written her memoirs of WW2, entitled One Woman’s War.

The book 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. It 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.

Now in her 91st year, Eileen has appeared on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Breakfast, and has contributed to a documentary series "WW2: The Last Heroes”. She has also been in talks with a production company about turning aspects of her life into a drama series.

For 83-year-old Barbara Pontin it is almost like coming home. She worked in the Fairwater Library for twenty years and is excited to be returning as a published author. Barbara began writing her book, Merlys, in her early forties. She says: “With a family to look after it became increasingly difficult to devote my time to the book, and although I did have some interest from Hollywood, I put the manuscript away and forgot about it.”

Early in 2011 Barbara came across the 40-year-old manuscript and decided to breathe new life into the 18th century story of murder, anguish and love across the Welsh valleys. She continues: “I wanted my story to reach as many people as possible, so I contacted Candy Jar Books in Cardiff. They were very supportive, but did encourage me to start the book with a shock. I don’t think they expected it to be so blood-curdling though.”

Barbara is quietly pleased by the reaction to the pre-release of Merlys. Mischievously she says: “My friends have been very shocked by this book. They didn’t know that I had it in me. Most thought butter would not melt in my mouth. It has been fun to prove them wrong!”

Shaun Russell, director at Candy Jar Books, is very proud of Eileen and Barbara. He says: “At Candy Jar we like to support new talent. Barbara Pontin’s Merlys is quite a brave book. It takes romantic fiction into a slightly gruesome world of wreckers and highwaymen. On the other hand, Eileen Younghusband’s One Woman’s War describes WW2 in considerable detail. It is an important account of women’s contribution to the Allied victory in 1945. Eileen's story is an inspiration to us all.”
Eileen Younghusband will be at Fairwater Library between 11am-1pm, with Barbara Pontin there between 2pm- 4pm.

One Woman's War is out now. Merlys is available in August.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

Another Christmas on the horizon and another year almost gone - I hope 2011 has been kind to you and yours. I send you seasonal greetings and my best wishes for a peaceful and happy year to come. Although the news is full of doom and gloom, we must make the best of it. Austerity is not necessarily all bad – it makes us appreciate things money cannot buy.

This past year has been a more than eventful 365 days. My second book, dedicated to the WAAF of the Filter Rooms of Fighter Command was published initially in an exclusive limited soft back edition in January by Candy Jar Books of Cardiff. This is a young company run by Shaun and Justin, two enterprising young men with media and photographic backgrounds. On my 90th birthday, it was launched as a hard back edition at RAF St. Athan. That day I shared my birthday with the Commanding Officer, Wing Commandeer Williams, the only difference being that he was half my age and twice my height!

We toured the camp in a jeep called Queenie, designed like a Popemobile for our Queen when she toured Berlin for the first time. Then we inspected the troops on the Parade Ground and finally in the Mess were presented with two enormous birthday cakes, decorated with the RAF insignia, to be cut up and shared with the RAF, MOD and local council representatives – a memorable day and all of which was filmed by HTV and shown on the evening news. The following weekend I was taken to meet the Air Officer commanding the whole of the RAF in Wales at the Swansea Air Show. The following day, the first sunny one in weeks, I held a party for fifty-six friends in the garden of Picquets – it was great to welcome them all.

Candy Jar are great publicists and this has led to so many activities. I have given twenty-six talks to varying groups, ranging from a wonderful class of eight year olds in a Primary school in Barry to a bunch of Radio Hams; and from Bletchley Manor, where I was presented with the Freedom of Bletchley and a veterans badge as a member of a Bletchley outstation, to Rotary clubs and Cardiff University. I have enjoyed them all.

I was invited to the St. David’s Day dinner in the City Hall in Cardiff and then honoured with a visit to my house by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones who wanted to view the Filter Room film of a watch at Fighter Command HQ, taken in November 1943. There have been several interviews with both BBC TV and Radio and ITV but the most interesting was the invitation to appear on BBC Breakfast on September 7^th. I have always been a fan of this show and was delighted to meet Bill Turnbull and Chris Hollins. Sadly Sian was not on that day but I met Louise. I even received a passing nod from Craig Revel Horwood! Wales’ answer to Terry Wogan, Roy Noble has invited me twice to be on his show and I am due there again for the radio broadcast on Christmas Day – obviously recorded beforehand.

A recent visit to Aces High Aviation Gallery in Wendover, Bucks saw me signing vast numbers of aviation memorabilia for aeronautical fans in the company of four wonderful Battle of Britain fighter pilots, one of whom was Geoffrey Wellum, the author of First Light, two WAAF airwomen, and four great American Mustang pilots. Our ages totted up to almost one thousand years but everyone was “with it”! There was also a short appearance in the fourth episode of Channel 4’s saga, entitled WW2 - the Last Heroes and another one in a series for ITV. But what I have enjoyed most is all the interesting people I have met during the year, including several WAAF colleagues who have made contact again after all these years. One of these is Patricia Robins who writes both under that name and also Claire Lorrimer. She has written 80 books and is still doing so – definitely puts me in the shade.

I have been thrilled to talk to Emma Soames, Winston Churchill’s granddaughter who contributed a foreword for One Woman’s War, and to make contact with Dame Vera Lynn who contributed an endorsement.

The final surprise for the year has been finding again the little girl Hélène, then five years old, to whom together with her two brothers I taught French in Contrexeville in the summer of 1938. This was the year of the Munich crisis when Chamberlain, Hitler and Mussolini met and signed the non-aggression pact. Due to the threat of war, I had to leave the family and France suddenly and return home. A French author, with whom I have worked recently, managed to trace her after all these years. She is now 78 years old and living in Grenoble. She rings me regularly, speaking impeccable English.

Thanks to the wonderful care of my eye surgeon, Chris Gorman, we have managed to keep Wet Macular Degeneration at bay but it is a constant battle. I have just had my 30 eye injection with the drug Lucentis. I must admit I walk like an old woman but I keep my brain active, if not my body. I thank my many friends for their support and their kindnesses.

Eileen