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 Zoe Brooke’s thoughts, who supported Special Operations Executive (SOE) Wreath Laying Service at Westminster Abbey. Zoe joined the FANY in 2016, and she is serving as Deputy Ops Officer (Resilience). She also co-leads the Duty of Care team and is one of the Corps’ TRiM managers.
"This event remembers the service of those men and women, known and unknown, who served with the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in WW2. SOE was formed from the three existing intelligence organisations in July 1940 on Winston Churchill’s orders to ‘set Europe ablaze’. The purpose was to organise active resistance to the Germans by any means possible, legal or illegal, gentlemanly or otherwise.
"One major contribution by the FANY to the work of the SOE was in Communications, in both Signals and Cipher departments, where they received intensive training on Morse code. Another major contribution was the FANY agents in the field: they worked mainly in France. Thirty-nine of the 50 women sent into France were FANYs; 13 were captured and murdered by the Gestapo including my great aunt Madeleine Damerment.
"Our incredible history is very much part of who we are. It is really important that we remember those who went before us and I think this is something that the Corps do very well. As a family, we were very touched to find out about FANY attendance at numerous, varied remembrance events. It’s an honour to represent Madeleine and all the amazing women who served as FANY SOE.
"Whilst there are fewer and fewer WW2 veterans able to attend the service themselves, their families and those who continue their legacy come together to remember them. The quiet discrete service feels very much in keeping with the manner in which SOE agents served their countries and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
"I joined the Corps after meeting active members at the unveiling of a memorial plaque to three SOE agents including my Great-Aunt. I was also keen to find a way to give something meaningful back to the city which has always been my home.
"I’ve made many new friends of all ages and walks of life. There are so many great opportunities in the Corps to develop new skills, go to new places and to take part in events which I wouldn’t otherwise. The Corps enables me to be of meaningful service alongside an incredible group of women – a joy and a privilege!"