RootsChat.Com

General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: matty1965 on Thursday 30 January 14 16:38 GMT (UK)

Title: Woman in army uniform WW1
Post by: matty1965 on Thursday 30 January 14 16:38 GMT (UK)
Hi,

I have come across this photo in an old album, dating from WW1. At first glance I assumed it was a man in army uniform, but looking at it more closely it appears to be a woman. It also has the appearance of perhaps being a studio shot, with the stone bridge and what appears to be a fake background.

As far as I know, women wouldn't have been wearing this type of uniform for any of the roles they were involved in during WW1. So what is going on? Did women dress up in army uniforms and have photos taken?

Thanks for any help with this.

Matty
Title: Re: Woman in army uniform WW1
Post by: Treetotal on Thursday 30 January 14 16:51 GMT (UK)
Hi Matty and welcome to Rootschat...I have asked a Moderator to move this to the Armed Forces Board for a more informed response.
Edited..So that my message makes sense.....I see it's been moved for you now  :D
Carol
Title: Re: Woman in army uniform WW1
Post by: Spikey68 on Thursday 30 January 14 17:38 GMT (UK)
Women often had their photo taken in the uniform of a serving loved one (husband/BF/father/brother etc).
Title: Re: Woman in army uniform WW1
Post by: Spikey68 on Thursday 30 January 14 17:44 GMT (UK)
Found the article I was thinking of when I posted the above reply:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/wwi-pictures-unearthed-the-mystery-of-the-man-in-the-lemon-squeezer-hat-8735047.html
Title: Re: Woman in army uniform WW1
Post by: mmm45 on Thursday 30 January 14 19:48 GMT (UK)
She's wearing someones uniform who was in the Royal Artillery (horse,field or garrison )and was a possibly  a battery sergeant major rank

Ady
Title: Re: Woman in army uniform WW1
Post by: Peter J on Sunday 02 February 14 01:37 GMT (UK)
Women often had their photo taken in the uniform of a serving loved one (husband/BF/father/brother etc).

Agreed; a common practice of the time: