Cyclist Gallery

First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY)

A woman cyclist first aid scout of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), riding along in her distinctive uniform. The FANY was created in 1907 as a first aid link between front-line fighting units and field hospitals. During the First World War FANY members ran field hospitals, drove ambulances and set up soup kitchens and troop canteens, often under dangerous conditions. By the time of the Armistice in November 1918 they had been awarded many decorations for bravery, including 17 Military Medals, 1 Legion d'Honneur and 27 Croix de Guerre. They also served during the Second World War, and the organisation is still in existence today

© Mary Evans Picture Library

First airmail letter delivered, Windsor Castle

The first airmail letter ever to be delivered is handed to the Postmaster of Windsor, to whom it is addressed, on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle. The aviator Gustav Hamel, who flew from Hendon to Windsor on the very first airmail flight, is standing bareheaded just behind the postman and his bicycle. The Mayor of Windsor, Sir Frederick Dyson, stands smiling in a top hat. The first aerial mail service took place on 9 September 1911 from Hendon Aerodrome to Windsor and back again, and Hamel was the first pilot to arrive. King George V gave permission for the aeroplanes to land in the grounds of Windsor Castle. During September 1911 the Grahame-White company operated an experimental air mail service for two weeks between Hendon and Windsor. As well commemorating the coronation of King George V, and raising money for charity, the event publicised the possibilities of the aeroplane as a means of transport

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Union Workhouse, Hertford

A view of Hertford Union workhouse, Hertfordshire, opened in around 1869 on Ware Road, Hertford. The imposing three-storey building has a clock tower at its centre. Cyclists on the road in front of the building appear to have been painted into the scene to add interest

© Mary Evans / Peter Higginbotham Collection

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