Last year was a time for celebration across the military world and legal profession alike.
It marked 100 years since women were first allowed to practice law, and we marked this with a series of events across our offices to highlight the many fantastic achievements of the women we’ve worked with, past and present.
The Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association – the longest running group for women in the military supporting those who served from 1919 to the present day – also celebrated its centenary.
Keen to find out more, we attended the Rise of the Lionesses at the National Army Museum, exploring the changing role of women in the British Armed Forces. The museum’s curator for the night, Emma Mawdsley, highlighted the ‘Art of Persuasion’ exhibition, featuring wartime posters by Abram Games, including his iconic 1941 poster encouraging women to “join the ATS”.
The Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS) was formed in September 1938 to offer female volunteers non-combat duties. However, the organisation suffered in comparison to the work carried out by the Women’s Royal Naval Services (WRNS) and the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). Games’ poster, nicknamed ‘the blonde bombshell’, prompted a heated parliamentary debate, and The Times’ art critic called it ‘jaunty’. It was replaced, but still proved popular with recruits, including Emma’s own mother.
In 1945, Princess Elizabeth joined the ATS, training in Aldershot as a driver and mechanic, and the chassis that she trained on was in the Lionesses exhibition.
The exhibition celebrated many female firsts, including Private Michelle Norris of the Royal Army Medical Corps – the first woman to be awarded the Military Cross in June 2006.
The National Army Museum is situated adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners. Admission is free and its light, open spaces and atrium house numerous exhibitions.
From 31 January to 17 April 2020, you can visit Tribute Ink, in partnership with the Royal British Legion and the National Memorial Arboretum. Tribute Ink explores the tattoos worn by the Armed Forces community and reveals their powerful stories. If you have tattoos related to service, the Royal British Legion is inviting you to
get involved and share your story.
Visit rbl.org.uk/tributeink to find out more.
100 Wonderful Women
by Tanya-Jayne Park
Tanya-Jayne Park tells 100 stories of women who’ve served in our Armed Forces and has been compiled by the WRAC to mark its centenary year. Ali Brown, describes in the book how she joined an army where women were separate and constrained by deployment rules but after 27 years of military service, left an army that was well on the way to equality of opportunity for all.
About The WRAC Association
Association has two main purposes – benevolence and membership.
As the only charity to dedicate their support to women who’ve served in the Armed Forces, they exist to offer support through financial hardship and shared experiences for those who have served their Queen and country since 1919.
The Army in 2020 is about integration and Colonel (retired) Ali Brown, the current vice president, applauds that. However, she feels women are still a minority within the profession and there’s a clear demand for the events and social experiences the WRAC provides.
With over 50 branches worldwide, Ali visits them regularly to chat to fellow members. It’s important for women who served in the Army from the 60s to the 80s to understand that they’ve led the way for others. They should be proud to know they’ve achieved something for their efforts even if they might not have benefitted themselves.
“Celebrating what women have achieved to get where we are is a core reason for our existence. We’re continuing to celebrate female firsts, and I’m delighted that Major General Sharon Nesmith was the first woman to command a British Army brigade and is the first female to sit on the Army Board”.
Brigadier Celia Harvey has served in the Territorial Army since joining the WRAC as an officer cadet and is set to become Director General Reserves. I think that the first female Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion would be a significant first and although it may take some time I’m confident that it will happen.”
Ali herself left the Army nine years ago, and lots of things have changed since as she sees progress being made every year. She also says she’s delighted to have the opportunity to meet other members and share memories, hopes and benevolence.
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
