war - International Bomber Command Centre

Women In War From Home Front To Front Line

Helen IBCC — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:35:59 +0000

The changing role of women in warfare, a neglected aspect of military history, is the subject of this collection of perceptive, thought-provoking essays. By looking at the wide range of ways in which women have become involved in all the aspects of war, the authors open up this fascinating topic to wider understanding and debate. They discuss how, particularly in the two world wars, women have been increasingly mobilized in all the armed services, originally as support staff, then in defensive combat roles. They also consider the tragic story of women as victims of male violence, and how women have often put up a heroic resistance, and examine how women have been drawn into direct combat roles on an unprecedented level, a trend that is still controversial in the present day. The collection brings together the work of noted academics and historians with the wartime experiences of women who have remarkable personal stories to tell. The book will be a milestone in the study of the recent history of the parts women have played in the history of warfare.

Authors

Dr Juliette Pattinson, Professor Mark Connelly, Georgina Natzio, Christine Halsall, Jonathan Walker, Major Imogen Corrigan, Dr. Halik Kochanski, Dr T.A. Heathcote, Elspeth Johnstone, Mike Ryan, Grace Filby, Dr George Bailey, Tatiana Roshupkina, Leicester Chilton, Paul Edward Strong, Celia Lee, John Lee

Pages: 237
Illustrations: 30
ISBN: 9781526766618
Published: 20th November 2019

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Backbone of Britain : Women in War, 1939 – 45

Nicky van der Drift — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:45:30 +0000

World War II changed women’s lives – and British society – for ever.

In World War II, British women were still largely spared, or excluded from, combat roles. But the need for their capabilities demanded military service of more and more of them, and in roles where they faced the same risks as men. And the total nature of the war meant danger for all those on the Home Front too.

by 1943, in the UK 90 percent of single women of working age, and 80 percent of married women, were working outside the home in the armed forces, industry and other wartime organisations. Long-held notions of the limited capabilities of women became untenable in the light of the vast and varied contributions. Yet their courage, achievements and commitment are still insufficiently recognised.

Ten such “Women in War” have been memorialised with silhouettes, commissioned from “Standing with Giants”, installed at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincolnshire. Their stories – bold, brave, committed and sometimes tragic – are told in this book, together with histories of the many new and different organisations with which they and other wartime women were involved.

This installation could not have been carried out without the support of companies, organisations and individuals who share the IBCC’s belief in the importance of these stories.

We hope the stories of the lives of these women in wartime will continue to be an inspiration to succeeding generations.

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Painted Wings by Robin Smith

Nicky van der Drift — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:14:46 +0000

With over 50 of Smith's paintings featured on the right hand pages, accompanied by sketches, photos, and text on the left hand pages explaining the thoughts and ideas behind each image.

Extract from Foreword: "I have often wished that I had the wall space to hang more of Robin's paintings, but now we can have them all in this wonderful book. Not only can we revel in the art, but in addition Robin provides us with explanatory notes with each picture, telling the historical background to the subject and giving some fascinating detail into his thoughts and his artistic 'tricks' in painting them. I am so pleased he has decided to put this book 'Painted Wings', together for our delight and I hope you enjoy it." Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley MBE RAF (Rtd) - former Officer Commanding RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and RAF fighter pilot.

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