A group of women workers at an aeroplane factory in Birmingham, September 1918 (IWM neg Q 28186).

Women played a major role in both World Wars in many different capacities.

Anyone interested in tracing a woman who was active during the First World War may find information in the Women’s Work Collection. Already available commercially on microfilm, the collection is now available as a searchable web database (by paid subscription to Thomson Gale or free at point of access within the Museum).  Work with Belgian refugees, munitions, agriculture, benevolent organisations, education and nursing are among the subjects featured in this, as well as women serving with the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.  If your relative died in the war or was awarded a decoration there is a chance you will find a photograph in the Collection.

This is an evolving section and new categories will be added in the future.

Women in the services

Women in the Army

Women in the Navy

Women in the Royal Air Force