Pioneering Nurses, The Flying Nightingales, Remembered 80 Years On
The Armed Forces Lead and Head of Quality and Professions at Solent NHS Trust have joined military, civic and fellow NHS leaders to commemorate the pioneering nursing work of ‘The Flying Nightingales’, who treated wounded soldiers following the D-Day landings 80 years ago this month.
On 13 June 1944, one week after D-Day, three Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) nursing orderlies flew from what was then RAF Blakehill Farm to an airstrip in Normandy to undertake the first casualty evacuation flights. Corporal Lydia Alford, Leading Aircraft Women (LACW) Myra Roberts and LACW Edna Birkbeck treated the wounded as they were being flown back to Britain.
The moment of their return was recorded by the waiting press who dubbed these pioneering nurses ‘The Flying Nightingales’.
Gathering 80 years later at the former airfield where those first flights departed, were family members of The Flying Nightingales, serving members of the RAF Medical Services who fulfil the same role today, senior representatives from the NHS and RAF and local dignitaries. The event was a commemoration and celebration of the life-saving contribution made by RAF Medical Reserves, past and present, in what is also the Centenary year of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Those in attendance heard more about the stories of these extraordinary women and were treated to a demonstration of modern aeromedical evacuation capability to highlight the ongoing critical contribution of RAF Medical Reservists, most of whom also have full-time jobs within the NHS. A commemoration ceremony was held at the end of the runway with the last post sounded by a Trumpeter of the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment in honour of The Flying Nightingales and all RAF Medical Services personnel.
Attending the event, Solent NHS Trust Head of Quality and Professions, Sharon McCann, said:
“As a veteran myself, I think these events are really important to acknowledge how brave people have been. We wouldn’t have the future we’ve got now without those individuals, who have been pioneers in healthcare and military healthcare. I’ve seen first-hand on deployments how the tri-service approach has been really beneficial for all casualties and patients.”
Attending the event, Solent NHS Trust Armed Forces Lead, Andrew Spencer, said:
“For me, the importance of occasions like this is to show the shared values between the Armed Forces and the NHS, and I think it’s very much been demonstrated – especially over the Covid period, where we all came together and worked extremely effectively in the face of a significant crisis for our country.
“We value Reservists in our workforce, and are encouraging Reservists in our organisation to come forward so we can celebrate their contributions, both in the past and what they continue to contribute to the NHS and Armed Forces today.”
Speaking at the event, Director of RAF Nursing Services, Group Captain Charlotte Thompson, said:
“It’s a real privilege to be invited here today by 4626 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, who have put on this wonderful event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of The Flying Nightingales.
“As Head of Nursing for the RAF, it’s incredible to hear the stories of the aeromedical evacuations these inspiring women undertook on a Dakota, and then look at where we are at now in 2024.”
Commenting on the occasion, Kate Davies, Director of Health and Justice, Armed Forces and Sexual Assault Services Commissioning at NHS England, said:
“The NHS is a forces-friendly employer and recognises the significant benefits of hiring clinical staff who are military reservists. Their rigorous, world-class training is not only of huge benefit to both Armed Forces and civilian patients, but their leadership skills and self-discipline are of great importance at a time of great pressure for the NHS.
“With D-Day commemorations recently taking place across the country, we remember those who lost their lives in Normandy and thank all those who have served and are serving. From the battlefield to the NHS, medical reserves are an important part of our clinical workforce – providing much-needed care and support to our patients.”