Air Transport Auxiliary
Women played an important part of the Battle of Britain. They also took an active role in it. They worked under front-line conditions and showed their bravery and dedication. The part they played in the outcome of the battle was crucial.
Many women worked in factories building aircraft and equipment whilst female pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) delivered aircraft to stations around the country.One in eight of the pilots of the ATA were women.
They delivered aircraft around the country to where they were needed.
Lord Balfour, Under Secretary of State of Air commented that "the Air Transport Auxiliary were civilians in uniforms who played a soldiers part in the Battle for Britain".
The courage and example shown by many WAAFs during the Battle of Britain had a huge impact on how the service developed.
Fighter Command operators
Women played a vital role throughout the command and control network set up in defence of the country. This had an important effect on Fighter Command's action and success.
At radar stations, operators provided the position of enemy aircraft and passed on this information to personnel in filter and operation rooms where it was reconciled and displayed.
As well as experiencing the 'blitz' themselves, thousands of women took an active part in civil defence. They took on lots of roles such as air raid wardens and ambulance drivers.
Women formed part of the crew at anti-aircraft gun and observer posts whilst others operated mobile canteens and assisted those left homeless by the bombing.
Chain Home
Chain Home (CH for short) was also known as the ring of coastal Early Warning radar stations built by the British before and during the Second World War to find and track planes.It was one of the first working radar systems and the main part of the world’s first joined up air defence system known as the Dowding system.Operated by the RAF, Chain Home radars stretched across the coastline of the British Isles, looking out over the channel towards France and gave a warning of a likely raid.The use of the radar helped with the defence of our country to ensure that not all the bombers got through.
Chain Home Radar Women experienced the Battle of Britain first hand. They also took an active role in it. Routinely working under front-line conditions women daily demonstrated their bravery and dedication to duty. Their contribution to the Battle's outcome was crucial.
Chain Home (CH for short) was also known as the ring of coastal Early Warning radar stations built by the British before and during the Second World War to find and track planes.It was one of the first working radar systems and the main part of the world’s first joined up air defence system known as the Dowding system.Operated by the RAF, Chain Home radars stretched across the coastline of the British Isles, looking out over the channel towards France and gave a warning of a likely raid.The use of the radar helped with the defence of our country to ensure that not all the bombers got through.
Chain Home Radar Women experienced the Battle of Britain first hand. They also took an active role in it. Routinely working under front-line conditions women daily demonstrated their bravery and dedication to duty. Their contribution to the Battle's outcome was crucial.