From the Battle of Britain to the Korean War: Serving in the Women's Voluntary Service and Auxiliary Air Force, 1940–1954

In 1941, Beryl Baxter, a dressmaker from Grimsby, signed up to do her bit in the Battle of Britain. She was to serve as a plotter as aircraftswoman in the WAAF and, upon discharge in 1949 she began life as a welfare worker for the Women's Voluntary Service. Her postings included the Korean War, Japan, Hong Kong and Iraq. Throughout these years of service she fulfilled the roles of mother, sister and girlfriend to thousands of servicemen, both conscripts and regulars.

Presenting a dramatic narrative from several theaters of war, this book recalls Beryl's life, based on a large archive of letters and documents that she preserved, allowing the reader to go on these journeys to war alongside a brave and enterprising independent woman.

© 2025 Pen & Sword History (Ebook): 9781399040907

Release date

Ebook: April 22, 2025