Ms Sandes was born in Yorkshire and was the daughter of a “very well-connected” Anglo-Irish vicar who became the vicar of Marlesford and moved the family there, Ms Robinson said.

He was 38 years old and eager to serve when the First World War broke out in 1914.

“When the First World War broke out he volunteered for the Red Cross and was rejected because he only had St John’s Ambulance Brigade certificates and no practical experience,” Ms Robinson told BBC Radio Suffolk.

“This really upset her, and then she discovered that a group of volunteer nurses had gone to Serbia, and she went with them.”

She worked in Serbia for several years, but when the country was invaded in 1916 and they were told to withdraw, Ms. Sandes refused to abandon the forces assigned to her and joined them instead.

She was the only British woman to fight directly against the Germans.

Over time, he rose through the ranks of the army to the rank of officer and, according to Ms. Robinson, is still remembered for his efforts in Serbia today.