When war was declared, Flora volunteered to nurse but was turned down as she had no formal qualifications. She joined an ambulance unit organised by an American woman - Mabel Grouitch whose husband was Serbian. Mrs Grouitch took the ambulance unit to the Eastern Front.
In Serbia, Flora joined the Serbian Red Cross before enrolling in the Serbian Army as an ordinary soldier.
Flora's story is amazing. "A Fine Brother: The Life of Flora Sandes" is by Louise Miller, published by Alma Books. Definitely worth a read!
Milunca Savic (1888 - 1973) cut her hair and wore men's clothes to take her brother's place in the Second Balkan War in 1913. Her disguise was only discovered when she was wounded.
Milunca went on to fight in both World Wars, receiving medals for bravery and was in a concentration camp for ten months in WW2.
There were other women who fought during the First World War and I will endeavour to tell you about them as their countries are featured in the Female Poets section.
(Tuesdays - Fridays during 2013 11 am - 2 pm)
and at
The Ace Centre, Cross Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7NN (Mondays - Saturdays 10 am - 4 pm) until 3rd September 2013
and at
Fleetwood Library, North Albert Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AJ (Mondays - Saturdays 9 am - 5 pm but Wednesdays
9 am - 12.30)
feature Flora, Milunca and other Inspirational Women of WW1, as well as some other interesting facts about the War.
