Servicewomen have joined forces for a photo shoot to commemorate a century of women in the Armed Forces.
Organised by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, the photo shoot brings together inspiring women who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces.
The shoot includes Major General Susan Ridge, who is the Army’s highest-ranking woman; Rose Watson, a World War II veteran; Dame Kelly Holmes, a former Army PTI and Olympian; Sgt Chantelle Taylor, who became the first woman to kill in combat; and Flt Lt Caroline Paige, the first transgender officer to openly serve.
The Women100 campaign hopes to show the changing role of women in the Armed Forces and commemorates the centenary of the formation of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1917.
Women’s roles in 1917 included cooking, administration and mechanical work. Today, women work side by side with their male colleagues, with close combat roles in the Royal Marines, Royal Armoured Corps, infantry and Royal Air Force Regiment opening up to them last year.
Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of SSAFA, said, “Women have been officially serving our country for a century.”
“SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has been in existence for 132 years and has witnessed the evolution of the roles available for females within the military.”
“We must take a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate their contribution as this milestone approaches.”
“It is essential that we continue to promote inclusivity and diversity throughout our Armed Forces in order to benefit from the talent that exists across British society.”
SSAFA commissioned renowned war photographer, Robert Wilson to shoot the photograph. Speaking about the campaign, Wilson said, “It was an honour to be asked to create an image to mark the 100 year anniversary of women enlisting in the UK Armed Forces and it was an absolute pleasure working with these twelve incredible women.”
“SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity does such fantastic work supporting the family members of and those that have served our country in historical and recent conflicts.”
