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 Kate Pepper’s thoughts, who supported the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. Kate joined the FANY in 2023.
"On Sunday we took part in the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Day march past at the cenotaph. As a corps we’re extremely proud of our roots, including during WWI where we provided field ambulances , hospitals and nursing skills and WWII where a number of FANYs were deployed in occupied France as SOE agents. The day involved meeting lots of wonderful veterans, many of whom had heard of us and had their own tales to tell about FANYs they met during their service. We then marched down Whitehall, saluting the cenotaph as we passed. We have the honour of taking part in this event each year, to show our gratitude to those who came before us.
"I remember as a little girl watching the Remembrance Day service on tv every year. Growing up in northern England, London was something you saw on television, I’d never have imagined that I’d have the opportunity to take part. I’ve attended the service every year since I joined the corps, it’s such an honour, and something I hope to continue to do every year as long as I can!
"I had never heard of the FANY until a colleague mentioned she was thinking of joining. A group of strong, capable women who dedicate their time to helping people in their worst moments really appealed to me. I did more research and loved the history of the corps, all of these characters who didn’t take no for an answer, and went against the grain to do what they thought was right were such an inspiration and I jumped at the chance to become one of them. The deal was sealed when I came across a quote which really resonated with me, where Surgeon-General Woodhouse described the FANY as “neither fish, flesh, nor fowl… but damned fine red herring!”
"Since joining the corps I’ve had so many ‘pinch me’ moments. From getting to test drive a jackal armoured vehicle around some woods in the Cotswolds, to the pride I felt marching in the VE80 parade. Just this weekend I rode one of the horses as part of our Lord Mayors Show float. On the way back to the stables, riding up the Mall with 100 cavalry horses and a police escort holding traffic for us, all I could think to myself was that five year-old horse mad Kate would be having kittens right now!
"I’ve met so many incredible women who have become some of my closest friends and had experiences I will never forget. I am lucky that during my time as a member we have not been called to support any major incidents, and I hope this continues. But I know that should the time come, I’ll be there to return the favour for all the incredible opportunities this Corps has given me."