Muriel Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Muriel Thompson
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Muriel Thompson in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry
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| Born | 10 June 1875 Aberdeen, Scotland
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| Died | 3 March 1939 (aged 63) London, England
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| Resting place | Brompton Cemetery, London |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Known for | decorated World War I ambulance driver, racing driver, suffragist |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Order of Leopold II Croix de Guerre Military Medal |
Muriel Thompson (born June 10, 1875 – died March 3, 1939) was an amazing Scottish woman. She was a brave ambulance driver during World War I. She was also a skilled racing driver and a suffragist, which means she fought for women's right to vote.
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Muriel Thompson's Early Life
Muriel Thompson was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on June 10, 1875. Her father, Cornelius Thompson, owned ships and designed them. Muriel was the fifth of eight children. Her grandfather, George Thompson, was a very important person in Aberdeen. He was once the city's leader, called the Lord Provost, and also a Member of Parliament (MP).
Racing and Fighting for Women's Rights
Muriel loved cars and driving from a young age. She and her brothers even helped start the Brooklands Automobile Racing Club. This shows how much she enjoyed speed and cars!
Winning Races
On July 4, 1908, Muriel won a special race. It was the first motor race just for ladies held at Brooklands. She drove her brother's Austin racing car. Muriel won by reaching a speed of about 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph). She also won another race that day called the Scratch Motor Car Race.
Driving for Change
Muriel also used her driving skills to help a very important cause. She worked as a driver for the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This group worked hard to get women the right to vote. In 1909, Muriel drove Emmeline Pankhurst, a famous leader of the suffragist movement, on her tours across the country.
Brave War Service
During World War I, Muriel Thompson became a driver for the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY). She joined this group in January 1915. Her job was not just driving. She also had to fix the vehicles if they broke down.
In 1916, Muriel was second-in-command to Lilian Franklin. They led the first FANY team to help the British Army. Before this, the FANY had only helped the Belgian and French armies.
Awards for Courage
Muriel Thompson received several important awards for her bravery during the war.
Knight's Cross of the Order of Leopold II
On March 29, 1915, King Albert of Belgium gave Muriel the Knight's Cross of the Order of Leopold II. She earned this award for bravely helping wounded Belgian soldiers. She moved them while under fire near a place called Diksmuide.
Military Medal and Croix de Guerre
Muriel also received the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre. These awards were given to her in May 1918. She earned them for her courage during a bombing raid. She kept moving injured people even while bombs were falling.
Later Life
After World War I ended, Muriel Thompson lived in London. She passed away at her home on March 3, 1939. She was buried in Brompton Cemetery in London.
