PLG
A Fixture
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2017
- Messages
- 372
Hi
I am pleased to release my latest bust, another of my Women at War series, which links the Normandy landings and Arnham - a WAAF nurse which was inspired by the story of Lydia Alford who was the first women to land in Normandy after D-Day.
On D-day + 7 She and two colleagues were the first women to fly into the Normandy battle zone after the D Day landings to help evacuate the wounded, her Dakota was the first to land. The Dakotas carried 4 tons of supplies and ammunition so could not have any Red Cross markings, it was only on the return to the Uk that they were classified as an air ambulance - but still with no Red Cross markings.
Lydia also flew into the Arnham area to assist soldiers wounded during operation Market Garden.
Not surprisingly, on their return to the UK the three were met by the press and nicknamed the "Flying Nightingales'.
Clearly very courageous ladies, is it is unfortunate that their stories are not well known, indeed official recognition did not occur until 2008 when the Duchess of Cornwall presented the last seven surviving nurses with lifetime achievement awards.
The bust depicts Lydia wearing the RAF battle dress and 'mae west' over which is a navigator's parachute harness. This was used because the parachute was detachable, enabling easier movement in the aircraft.
The bust is available on my website for £20.00 plus post and packing, available from my website: https://sarnia-miniatures.co.uk/p/020-nursing-orderly-normandy-1944
I hope you like this unusual subject of very brave ladies.
Peter
I am pleased to release my latest bust, another of my Women at War series, which links the Normandy landings and Arnham - a WAAF nurse which was inspired by the story of Lydia Alford who was the first women to land in Normandy after D-Day.
On D-day + 7 She and two colleagues were the first women to fly into the Normandy battle zone after the D Day landings to help evacuate the wounded, her Dakota was the first to land. The Dakotas carried 4 tons of supplies and ammunition so could not have any Red Cross markings, it was only on the return to the Uk that they were classified as an air ambulance - but still with no Red Cross markings.
Lydia also flew into the Arnham area to assist soldiers wounded during operation Market Garden.
Not surprisingly, on their return to the UK the three were met by the press and nicknamed the "Flying Nightingales'.
Clearly very courageous ladies, is it is unfortunate that their stories are not well known, indeed official recognition did not occur until 2008 when the Duchess of Cornwall presented the last seven surviving nurses with lifetime achievement awards.
The bust depicts Lydia wearing the RAF battle dress and 'mae west' over which is a navigator's parachute harness. This was used because the parachute was detachable, enabling easier movement in the aircraft.
The bust is available on my website for £20.00 plus post and packing, available from my website: https://sarnia-miniatures.co.uk/p/020-nursing-orderly-normandy-1944
I hope you like this unusual subject of very brave ladies.
Peter
