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October 2003
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The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duke of Kent, opens an exhibition: 14 October 2003

In a light-filled atrium containing tanks, V2 rockets, searchlights and spitfires, The Queen opened the new ‘Women at War’ exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, London.

The Queen receives a posy at the Imperial War Museum The Queen receives a posy at the Imperial War Museum, having opened the ‘Women at War’ exhibition
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The exhibition illustrates women’s involvement in conflict from antiquity onwards. It includes a portrait of Joan of Arc by Rubens; Catherine the Great’s military-inspired crinoline; a Nightingale nurse’s sash; and stories of women who fought disguised as men.

Visitors will also be able to see a wedding dress made from parachute silk, worn by Gena Goldfinger, a Polish prisoner of war, on the occasion of her marriage to Sergeant Norman Turgel, a British soldier who helped liberate Belsen, the camp in which she was held.

The shoes issued to Princess Elizabeth in 1945 A pair of shoes issued to Princess Elizabeth in 1945 during her service in the ATS
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The Queen spoke of the part that women have played in the Armed Services over the years, and the role of the museum in recognising that through the exhibition.

“Throughout my reign I have watched with admiration how women in the three Services and many related organisations have taken on wider responsibilities and ever more demanding roles on land, on sea and in the air. This exhibition is a tribute to their spirit and to that vital contribution made by women in the past, present and, I am certain, in the challenging future which lies ahead.”

Princess Elizabeth pictured in ATS uniform during the Second World War Second Subaltern Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor pictured in the ATS in 1945
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The Queen herself actually features in the exhibition, as she served in the ATS towards the latter stages of the Second World War. Indeed, a pair of shoes that had been issued to her almost 60 years ago were viewed by The Queen during a tour of the exhibition. The receipt of issue was also on show, bearing the signature of the Princess. The receipt reads:

“I certify that I am a serving officer in His Majesty’s forces and that I have today purchased for use as part of my personal equipment, a pair of Service Pattern Footwear. Signed: Elizabeth”

The Queen meets colleagues of the ATS The Queen meets former members of the ATS outside the Imperial War Museum
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In early 1917, the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) was established, offering a wide number of positions for women. The ATS (Auxiliary Transport Service) was formed from the WAAC during the Second World War. By 1945 it numbered nearly 200,000 women.

Princess Elizabeth joined the ATS on 24 February 1945 at the age of 18 and was registered as Second Subaltern Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, No. 230873.

During a speech at which she declared the new exhibition open, The Queen spoke of her recollections of those days:

“From my experience as a Second Subaltern in the ATS I began to understand the esprit de corps that flourishes in the face of adversity and forges friendships which last a lifetime.”

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh with former members of the ATS The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh talk to former members of the ATS who served with The Queen during the Second World War
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These memories were further stirred by a meeting of former colleagues and friends. Some of the ladies who had served with Princess Elizabeth in those days of 1945 were present outside the museum. Vehicles such as those on which the women of the ATS would have worked were also on display.

One of the ladies, Betty Royle, remembered how the young Princess had learned basic mechanics and map reading skills, and had taken the wheel of many vehicles. The young Princess took a driving and vehicle-maintenance course and qualified as a driver, before being promoted to Junior Commander.

The Duke of Kent at the Imperial War Museum The Duke of Kent with Baroness Boothroyd and Dame Vera Lynn at the Imperial War Museum
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The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were joined at the Imperial War Museum by The Duke of Kent, who is the President of the museum. The Imperial War Museum has exhibits ranging from tanks and aircraft to personal letters and ration books, as well as film and sound recordings.

Winston Churchill had declared during the Second World War, “Let the women come forward”. It is apt that this exhibition, the first of its kind, has honoured the role that women have played and continue to play in service of their country.

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