Women are celebrating 60 years of service in the British Army, after the formation of the Women's Royal Army Corps in 1949.
Women are celebrating 60 years of service in the British Army, after the formation of the Women's Royal Army Corps in 1949.
A reception, hosted by TV presenter Konnie Huq will be held later for veteran and serving female soldiers and officers at Armoury House, London.
A reception, hosted by TV presenter Konnie Huq, will be held later for veteran and serving female soldiers and officers at Armoury House, London.
Although women played key roles in both world wars, it was in 1949 that they became fully subject to the Army Act.
Although women played key roles in both world wars, it was in 1949 that they became fully subject to the Army Act.
Since then they have served in many major conflicts, including Iraq.
Since then they have served in many major conflicts, including in Iraq.
Although women played a key military role in World War I as part of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corp and World War II in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), it was only in 1949 when the ATS was replaced by the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) that they became officially part of the Army.
Although women played a key military role in World War I as part of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corp and World War II in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), it was only in 1949 when the ATS was replaced by the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) that they became officially part of the Army.
The WRAC existed until 1992 when women were fully integrated within their respective corps and the Army now employs more than 7,000 trained women - 7% of the Army.
The WRAC existed until 1992 when women were fully integrated within their respective corps and the Army now employs more than 7,000 trained women - 7% of the Army.
Gallantry medals
Gallantry medals
More than 70% of army jobs are currently open to women, including more than 1,000 different job types.
More than 70% of army jobs are currently open to women, including more than 1,000 different job types.
Female brigadiers and colonels are also working in the intelligence, medical, dental, legal, educational, administrative, logistic and communications fields.
Female brigadiers and colonels are also working in the intelligence, medical, dental, legal, educational, administrative, logistic and communications fields.
During the last 60 years, women in the Army have been awarded 66 medals for gallantry including the Military Cross.
During the last 60 years, women in the Army have been awarded 66 medals for gallantry including the Military Cross.
Women have also been killed in the line of duty.
Women have also been killed in the line of duty.
Most recently, Flt Lt Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill lost her life in Basra in 2006 and Cpl Sarah Bryant died in Afghanistan in June last year.
Most recently, Flt Lt Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill lost her life in Basra in 2006 and Cpl Sarah Bryant died in Afghanistan in June last year.
WOMEN IN THE ARMY 1917: Women's Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC) established1921: WAAC disbanded1938: Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) established1949: ATS replaced by Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC). Women come under Army Act for first time1992: WRAC and the Army amalgamated Source: WRAC Association, Ministry of Defence
WOMEN IN THE ARMY 1917: Women's Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC) established1921: WAAC disbanded1938: Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) established1949: ATS replaced by Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC). Women come under Army Act for first time1992: WRAC and the Army amalgamated Source: WRAC Association, Ministry of Defence
Lieutenant Colonel Eilean Cunningham, of the Army's Recruiting Group, paid tribute to the contribution of women to the Army throughout the last six decades.
Lieutenant Colonel Eilean Cunningham, of the Army's Recruiting Group, paid tribute to the contribution of women to the Army throughout the last six decades.
"The contributions and achievements of women in the Army over the years have been phenomenal," she said.
"The contributions and achievements of women in the Army over the years have been phenomenal," she said.
She added: "On the 60th anniversary of the WRAC, we today pay tribute to all army women - past, present and future, where we look forward to women breaking new boundaries and continuing to fulfil their potential with a career in the British Army."
She added: "On the 60th anniversary of the WRAC, we today pay tribute to all army women - past, present and future, where we look forward to women breaking new boundaries and continuing to fulfil their potential with a career in the British Army."
TV presenter Konnie Huq, who is hosting the anniversary on Thursday, said she was "humbled" by the commitment and sacrifice soldiers, especially women, were willing to make.
TV presenter Konnie Huq, who is hosting the anniversary on Thursday, said she was "humbled" by the commitment and sacrifice soldiers, especially women, were willing to make.
"What strikes me most when I meet female soldiers is how alike they are to every other girl, they enjoy the same chat, they have the same interests and they are incredibly passionate about what they do."
"What strikes me most when I meet female soldiers is how alike they are to every other girl, they enjoy the same chat, they have the same interests and they are incredibly passionate about what they do."
Are you, or have you been, a woman serving in the British Army? Send us your stories and experiences using the form below.
Are you, or have you been, a woman serving in the British Army? Send us your stories and experiences using the form below.
