“At some point in Global Battle II, women played a vital position in assisting army operations, leading to the established order of uniforms for female carrier individuals. In this newsletter, we delve into the long-lasting WW2 British Navy ladies's Uniform, focusing on the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) uniform and the WW2 WAAF Enlisted Uniform.”
1. Auxiliary Territorial carrier (ATS) Uniform
The Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) became the women's department of the British Army in WW2. Founded in 1938, it employed members in all forms of non-combatant roles, from clerks and cooks to telephonists and drivers.
Principal Features of the ATS Uniform:
The two major items of the WW2 British Army Women's Uniform worn by the ATS were the khaki tunic and skirt. The skirt reached below the knee, following the conservative dress standards of the period.
ATS Cap Badge: The cap badge included the royal cipher of King George VI, an indication of their loyalty to the Monarchy.
Service Dress Cap: The female ranks wore the same khaki type of service dress cap. That was quite fashionable and close fitting, being used with tunic and skirt respectively.
Rank Insignia: Like all of their contemporaries, women held rank, evidenced by stripes/sleeve insignia to indicate status, and rank in their service.
The ATS uniform was made to be both practical and smart, enabling women to perform their duties while maintaining a professional look. Women in the ATS played a vital role in operations by handling logistics, communications, and other key positions.
2. WW2 WAAF Enlisted Uniform
The WAAF was formed in 1939 because of the female auxiliary of the Royal Air Force. WAAF individuals supported the RAF by taking up roles that included radar operators, plotters, and plane mechanics.
Main Components of the WAAF Uniform:
Blue-Grey Tunic and Skirt: Their WW2 Enlisted Uniform contrasted with those of the ATS because it showed the Air Force's aesthetic more so in color. The blouse was cut into a clean crisp shape, along the dress was designed for functionality and modesty also.
WAAF Cap Badge: It had its eagle and its crown, embodying the association of the Air Force and more importantly the WAAF toward the air service.
WAAF Hat: WAAF personnel wore a unique hat that complemented their uniform and provided a different look compared to the other women's services.
Rank and Trade Badges: Just like the ATS, WAAF members wore rank insignia along with trade badges that indicated their special skill sets such as mechanics or operators.
The WW2 WAAF Enlisted Uniform was both practical and an emblem of the high contribution women made to air operations during the war.
Conclusion:
The different British Army Women's Uniforms in WW2, for example, the ATS uniform and the WW2 WAAF Enlisted Uniforms, represented a significant part of the dedication and contributions that women made during the war. These were uniforms tailored for effectiveness but represented the commitment of women towards the war effort. Today, they are a powerful icon of female ingenuity and strength during one of the darkest times in recorded history.