Communications Officer
Members of the Corps supported the VE 80 National Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey, London today (Thursday 8 May). Two FANY Veterans, Joyce Wilding and Barbara Bunce, and an ATS Veteran, Veronica Parsons, were invited to attend the service alongside the Corps Commanding Officer and Heritage Officer, and active members provided support with ushering duties. Joyce read a prayer during the service on behalf of veterans. The Corps Staff Commander took part in the Procession of Witness, where artefacts from the Second World War, representing the Armed Forces and the Home Front, were processed through the Abbey, received by the Dean, and placed near the High Alter.
Their Majesties The King and Queen attended the Service of Thanksgiving and they were accompanied by TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, HRH The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and HRH The Duke of Kent.
The service, which honoured and paid tribute to the Second World War generation, was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, and wassung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.
Corps Commanding Officer, Lisa Giles, said
“It is an absolute honour to have attended and supported the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving today to mark 80 years since VE Day, especially alongside our much-loved FANY and ATS Veterans. We are very proud of our FANY fore-sisters’ service throughout the Second World War; over 6,000 women were FANYs and they served in a range of different roles within the SOE and across Burma, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaya, Japan and the East Indies.
“This week has provided an important opportunity to commemorate the service given by so many people, and to remember the sacrifices that so many had to make. It is also a chance to reflect on the inspiration provided by so many FANYs who served before us, and to take courage from their bravery and valour.”