Tribute to female WW1 soldier hits the right notes
An opera group plans to celebrate and commemorate the life of the only British woman to fight for the Allies in the First World War.
Stars from the international opera world have joined forces with the British Army to create a unique musical tribute to Flora Sandes (1876-1956). Born in Yorkshire to Irish parents, she volunteered overseas as a St John Ambulance volunteer but later joined the Royal Serbian Army in combat. She was promoted to sergeant major and, after the war, captain, and was highly decorated. Flora’s best friend Emily Simmonds, who was a nurse and aid worker on the Allied Front, also features in the story.