Photo Archive of Women in the Military Around the World, 1930s-1950s

Women in the Military, WWII

Photo Archive

Archive of 17 silver gelatin photos depicting women's military forces from around the world between 1930's-1950's. Measurements range from 2.25" x 3.25" to 8" x 10.75" each. Many include hand written notes en verso. Photographs depict a variety of female soldiers ranging from grouping in marching formation, portraits, press phorographs, a real photo post card, and a propaganda poster. During WWII, over 500,000 women from participating countries were drafted to fill combat roles in anti-aircraft units in Britain and Germany, as well as front-line units in the Soviet Union. The war necessitated a dramatic global shift in gender roles with women occupying roles traditionally filled by men, both in the armed services and in other industries, freeing men to serve in active combat. Showcasing this is an official press photograph of British National Defense recruitment propaganda poster calling for the enlistment of women in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), claiming "The New Women's Service" with the objective "To relieve men of non-combatant duties during a national emergency." One particularly stunning larger photo shows an astute portrait of an Indian female soldier in uniform that notes en verso " Best cadet in National Cadet Corps of India." An official press photograph depicts an array of Air Force soldiers in "parade rest" including a female soldier of African American descent. Another official press photo depicts two male soldiers saluting the women's Air Force as they march on, includes original newsprint. Light sunning to some photographs. Overall very good condition.

Item #18447

Price: $2,500.00