The history of this corps is of unusual interest, for it has been in continuous existence since 1909 and its members were the first women, other than nurses, to serve with the British Army.
It was originally called the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and is still better known by the initials of this title.
The first FANYs were recruited to do various forms of medical transport work, and were also prepared to follow the Army on horseback to render first aid to the wounded.
In the First World War, they were one of the first women’s organizations to go overseas.
When peace was signed, the trained drivers to serve the Army’s need in emergencies, as for example with the General Strike in 1926.
In 1927 the Corps was officially recognized by the War Office, and when the ATS was created the FANY provided the personnel of all ranks needed for the motor transport companies.
Almost all the original members of FANY joined the ATS and were called up for active service with Army transport services in 1939.
In spite of this the FANY continued as a independent organization.
The FANY of the First World War won many decorations for courage and resource.
Those who served with them in the Second World War in all theatres of war were no less distinguished.
