Throughout the events taking place this week to mark eighty years since Victory in Europe, we will be sharing thoughts from FANYs taking part and sharing their reflections on why they joined the Corps, and why it was important to them to take part in this week’s events.
Today we are sharing Katie Winton’s thoughts, who is supporting the ceremony unveiling a Blue Plaque commemorating FANY SOE veteran Odette Hallows. Katie joined the FANY in 2020 and passed out in 2021. She has taken part in the Lord Mayor’s Show, Cenotaph Parade, and Poppy Day every year since she joined the Corps; has supported in many role play opportunities with the British Transport Police and Military units; took part in the Accession Council for King Charles accession to the throne in 2022; supported and hosted a table at the Army Navy Rugby 2024; and has taken part in various other support opportunities as well.
I first heard about the Corps from my Godmother and became curious about its rich history and the amazing things these women got up to. I’d thought about joining the Army after university and have always loved a bit of pomp and ceremony, and the FANY was a perfect blend of this, offering an amazing peek into this world without the full time commitment of joining the Army.
I love being part of the Corps as, as cliched as this sounds, it feels like I’m giving something back. Plus, more selfishly, it’s amazing to be part of history, and to be able to be offered exciting and interesting opportunities. Also it’s just pretty epic to be surrounded by brilliant, talented, women who I’ve learnt a lot from; some of whom have become lifelong friends. We give a lot to be part of the Corps but golly, do we get a lot back!
