Free French Medical Services Female Badges
 

Not quite sure where to post this. These items are part of a group to include uniform and head wear. It would appear to be a FF female volunteer serving in England during the war.

If any any viewers can tell me what the French badges are or represent. All are numbered as can be seen.

The women's name appears on the document. The uniform is named to Mrs. Patchell which matches a portion of the name on the document. The ribbons in the picture which I have are for British WW1 service.

If anyone has any ideas or help in translation of the document I will be very appreciative.

thanks
Jack

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psrwe30i5y.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdi6ums8c.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psowntuq8n.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psuilcsedr.jpg

Nice little group of interesting items Jack. Thanks for sharing.
Andy

A little (very little) more about the lady.

http://www.francaislibres.net/liste/...hp?index=76910

Thank you that is very helpful. Interesting in that she was Turkish. It appears she served in WW1. I will post the uniform soon

Best
Jack

I wouldn't automatically label her "Turkish" simply because she was born in that country. My speculation is that her "European" (maybe British or French) parents were living there when she was born. A not unusual occurrence. According to the document she was "veuve" (widow) Patchell and "née" (born) Simmons, so two other names associated with her.

Is the document a photocopy of an original? It would be interesting to know if De Gaulle's handwritten comments (and especially his signature) were unique to that specific document or if it was a common sentiment on a mass produced item that simply had the soldier's name added later.

Yes I agree as to your thoughts on her nationality a bit of a rush on my part. I need to look closer at the document, at first glance it looked original however it may be a copy. I have what appears to be the uniform worn in the picture.

In considering her ribbon bar she must have served in WW1 with the British military. More to your point as to nationality.

Thanks
Jack

Hello Jack

very very interresting !!
may I show it on a french forum for more informations, please ?

approximate translation.....

Answering to the appeal of France in danger of death, you reunited Free French Forces.
You were of the voluntary team of the good Companions who maintained our country in the war and in the honor.
You were of those who, in the front row, allowed him(her) to gain a victory!
As the purpose is reached, I am anxious to thank you friendly, simply, in the name of France!

cordially
Didier

The name sounds Slavic, maybe Bulgarian. As Bulgaria did not exist at the time of her birth she would have been an Ottoman subject. My Maternal Grandfather was born in Smyrna in the 1880s (Ethnic Bulgarian father and Maltese mother) and emigrated to Alexandria as an Ottoman subject in 1906. He badgered the Bulgarian representatives in Egypt during the 1920-1930s to be declared Bulgarian and eventually got his wish - just as Bulgaria joined the Axis powers. He then became an enemy alien. My father had to go through the British Army type hoops to get permission to marry my mother. And here I am!

Didier, yes by all means please do.

Thanks for your help.

Jack

Uniform. The sewn down ribbons had been removed from the uniform at some time and are now loose. There is also a skirt of the same material that goes with the jacket.

Interestingly the tailor Nicholls is also the same as my only other Free French uniform belonging to FFL officer.

thanks
Jack

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psubiheexm.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psrlvzoj9g.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/a...psvkpqb5bu.jpg

She's also listed here: https://www.siv.archives-nationales....FRAN_IR_003495

David

Absolutely fascinating.
If my interpretation is correct - born 1893?
The lady looks younger than her age - To think those WW1 medals could have been a reflection of her service when young. British WWI awards, despite birth in Turkey, then service with Free French WW2 ... there must be a fascinating story to tell.
I imagine her service history, medal cards etc, would be accessible and well worth exploring.
Mike

"Simmons" (her birth name) doesn't sound very Slavic.

And a possible to account for some WW1 service, but does not explain the Pip, Squeak and Wilfred so it may be a different person.

http://discovery.nationalarchives.go..._dt=AW&_hb=tna

There's also this, which I tried to add earlier: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/.../2263/data.pdf

David

Thanks to everyone for their posts and contributions towards putting some clarity to this women and group.

Best
Jack