On 4th July 2025, what would have been her 104th birthday, the full memoir of Eileen Younghusband — a proud Penarth resident and one of Wales’ most inspiring wartime figures — will be released by Cardiff-based publisher Candy Jar.
Eileen’s extraordinary life and service during the Second World War continue to inspire generations. Eileen served with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during WWII, helping track enemy rockets. Later in life, she was a passionate advocate for lifelong learning, earning degrees as a mature student through Cardiff University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning and The Open University.
The memoir includes a powerful and personal introduction by best-sellingauthor Robert Harris, who credits Eileen as the inspiration behind his novel V2:
“It is not often that one can say for certain when the idea for a novel enters one’s mind, but in the case of V2, I can pinpoint it exactly: Monday 5 September 2016, when The Times carried an obituary of Eileen Younghusband. I find her life story engrossing and moving in equal measure…”
Eileen was an extraordinary woman whose impact reached far beyond Penarth. A passionate traveller and lifelong learner, she formed deep and lasting friendships across Wales, the UK, and around the world. Her life was rich with meaningful connections — from neighbours and fellow students to international friends made through her wartime service, public speaking, and boundless curiosity. Right up until her passing, Eileen remained a treasured friend to many.
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