Women at War: The Untold Stories of Britain's Female War Workers

The Second World War transformed the role of women in British society. With millions of men serving overseas, women stepped into roles that had previously been closed to them — as factory workers, land girls, code-breakers, nurses, ferry pilots, and anti-aircraft operators. By 1943, over 7 million women were employed in war work. The Women's Land Army numbered 80,000, keeping Britain fed. In the factories, women built Spitfires, filled shells, and assembled radar equipment. At Bletchley Park, the majority of the 10,000 staff were women. The ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) saw women operating anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and predictor equipment. The WAAF and WRNS provided essential support to the RAF and Royal Navy. The SOE sent women behind enemy lines as spies and saboteurs. Princess Elizabeth herself joined the ATS in 1945, trained as a driver and mechanic — a powerful symbol of the nation united. Yet after the war, many women were expected to return to domestic life. Their contributions were often unrecognised for decades. The Immortal Regiment UK registry aims to honour these women alongside their male counterparts, ensuring their service is remembered. Sources: Imperial War Museum, National Archives, BBC People's War Archive