The divisional director of nursing of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has commemorated the nurses who treated wounded soldiers following the D-Day landings 80 years ago.

Lucy Parsons joined military, civic, and other NHS leaders in saluting the contribution of 'The Flying Nightingales'.

She said: "I really enjoyed commemorating The Flying Nightingales.

"Armed Forces reservists make a significant contribution to our organisation and are much valued members of our team – particularly in the critical care unit and emergency department."

On June 13, 1944, one week after D-Day, three Women's Auxiliary Air Force nursing orderlies flew to Normandy to undertake the first casualty evacuation flights.

Corporal Lydia Alford, Leading Aircraft Woman Myra Roberts, and Leading Aircraft Woman Edna Birkbeck treated the wounded as they were being flown back to Britain.

The moment of their return was recorded by the waiting press, who dubbed the nurses 'The Flying Nightingales'.

The commemorative gathering took place at the the site of RAF Blake Hill Farm, the former airfield where those first flights departed from.

Family members of The Flying Nightingales, serving members of the RAF Medical Services, senior representatives from the NHS and RAF, and local dignitaries were in attendance.

Group captain Charlotte Thompson, director of RAF nursing services, said: "It's a real privilege to be invited here today.

"As head of nursing for the RAF, it's incredible to hear the stories of the aeromedical evacuations these inspiring women undertook."