Royal Aerial Nurses 1918

Doc · 25 June 2008, 07:28 AM

In a 1940 publication on flight nurses, I found the following: "...in Great Britain, the Royal Aerial Nurses have been subsidized by Princess Mary since 1918...." Can anyone give me any background on this? I have not heard of this group before, certainly not in the context of flight nurses, since in 1918 the UK was not doing any aeromedical evacuations. Thanks. Doc

shackleton · 25 June 2008, 07:56 AM

Doc
No real information but the title 'Royal' suggests that it is possible that they were part of the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service. I think 1918 would be far too early for this but perhaps in the later 1920s/30s? I know they had flight nurses before the second world war.

I think in 1918 Pricess Mary would refer to the daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She would be the sister of Edward VIII and George VI. After 1928 she was granted the title of Princess Royal and was always referred to that in public although I believe your reference is from 1940?. She was active in VAD in the first war and even completed a nursing course at Ormond St Childrens' hospital. I believe she held a senior position in the Red Cross (commandent?) and was the head of ATS in the 2nd war.

I'm afraid this info isn't what you need . . . . . .

(. . . but it helps to keep my posts up :-) )

Doc · 25 June 2008, 08:08 AM

Thanks, Shackelton, but I don't think the reference was to Australia--- it was very specific for the UK. I am quite familiar with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and don't think that is what the reference is to (way too early, as you said), though I could be proved wrong. The lack of correct title for Princess Mary may be explained by the fact that this is a US reference.... We don't always pay attention to those little niceties.