Product Description

Pat Beauchamp from Cumberland joined the FANY Corps (The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) at Brookwood training camp in 1914. In January 1915 she was sent to Belgium. With her little dogs Tuppence or Wuzzy riding beside her in the ambulance she nicknamed `Susan', Pat ferried the injured men to and from the hospital which the Volunteer Fannys ran entirely by themselves.

Like all the `Fannys', Pat was a courageous woman, who endured much to serve the country and soldiers she loved. However, as well as fighting the Germans, she also had to fight criticism from her own side.

Fannys were adored by the soldiers, but disdained by many of the Nursing Sisters as `the untrained unit' and described by the English Press as `robbed of a woman's finer instincts and feminine charm' as a result of mixing with mechanics all day. Furthermore, the French Civilians viewed Fannys as unchic and manlike because of their khaki uniforms with big boots.

Regardless of the `flack', Pat maintained her sense of humour and courageously served where `angels fear to tread'. During the action, she lost a leg and won a Croix de Guerre and Silver Star for her bravery.

On the road to Fontinettes,
Where the stretcher-bearers sweat,
And the cars come up in convoy,
From the camp to Fontinettes.
For `er uniform is khaki,
And `er little car is green,
And `er name is only FANNY
(And she's not exactly clean!)
And I see'd `er first a' smoking,
Of a ration cigarette,
And a' wasting army petrol,
Cleaning clothes, cos she's in debt.

(First World War Song)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #105673 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Synopsis
The amusing but poignant wartime memories of a F.A.N.Y, who lost a leg in the action and received a Croix de Guerre for her bravery.