Communications Officer
Reflecting on Remembrance this year, we are sharing thoughts from FANYs on why they joined the Corps, and why it was important to them to take part in these events.
Today we are sharing Caroline Bassett’s thoughts, who supported the service of Remembrance and the Commemoration of the Fallen at St Paul’s Cathedral. Caroline joined the FANY in September 2015 and passed out in 2016. During her time in the Corps, she has held the positions of Deputy Recruits Officer, and Recruits Officer. She is currently in post as the Casualty Bureau Officer, where she organises the call handing training for the City of London Police.
"Fourteen FANYs attended the service of Remembrance and the Commemoration of the Fallen at St Paul’s Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday. It was a beautiful service remembering those who have died in war and conflict. In this magnificent building, we came together to remember and pray for all who suffer as a result of war. As the sound of the bugle played the Last Post, the sun beamed down from the dome, it was very moving. We observed our two minutes silence and during that time I thought about both of my grandparents who served in the military and fought in World War II.
"Following on from the service, three FANYs went to the London Troops War Memorial outside the Royal Exchange. This memorial commemorates men and women from London who served in World War I and World War II. It features bronze statues of soldiers on either side of the stone column surmounted by a bronze lion. The FANY formed up as a squad with the City Reservist units, Cadets, Veterans and other marching detachments such as St John’s Ambulance. We stood around the memorial and listened to the Lady Mayor giving a speech of remembrance to the fallen and then the wreath laying. DCC laid the FANY wreath to the sound of Nimrod which was played beautifully by the band of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC).
"Afterward the three FANYs joined the Navy reserve and we marched past the Lady Mayor and her party, including the Alderman. They were standing on the balcony of Mansion House and we marched past giving an ‘Eye’s left’ and she gave a salute. Successfully, we marched in time and we were happy with our drill, receiving complements for being in time and looking smart.
"Afterwards, some FANYs went to Mansion House where they were delighted to receive a delicious chicken curry supper. It was a lovely day to remember our fallen soldiers and those men and women who are actively serving today.
"Every year, I like to take part in a Remembrance Service to pay respect and to honour the fallen soldiers as well as honouring the FANYs who served in WWII, especially our SOE FANYs. For many years, I have marched past the Cenotaph with the FANY squad and I have always felt extremely proud to belong to such a great group of women volunteers. This year, I wanted to experience a different type of remembrance and where better than in the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral. I love the building and when I visit, I always notice something new and spectacular about the cathedral. As I stood under the dome with my FANY friends, I looked up at the beautiful golden mosaics and it was breath taking!
"I had been living in London for a few years and I was looking for an organisation to become a volunteer. I wanted to find an organisation where I could make new friends in London and to contribute and to do something worthwhile. I liked the Corps mission in supporting civil and military authorities in times of emergencies.
"I have been in the Corps for nine years and I have loved the wide range of experiences and exercises I have participated in, for example supporting the cadets, role playing scenarios for different organisations through to ceremonial duties. I am doing my duty and contributing to the community of London. I have been deployed when London has been in crisis, for example, Grenfell Tower, Fishmongers Hall terrorist attack.
"A particular honour was paying my respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey when she was lying in state and saluting her coffin. Also being awarded with the coronation medal and it being presented by our Commandant-in-Chief, HRH The Princess Royal.
"The Corps is a wonderful organisation made up of amazing, inspirational females who give their time to support civil and military authorities as well as having a day job. I have made lifelong friends and have great memories of being on exercises with my fellow FANYs. I look forward to my continued service with the FANYs."