With thousands of men away serving in the Armed Forces, British women took on a wide range of jobs during the Second World War. They also played a crucial role on the Home Front, managing households while facing the daily challenges of rationing, recycling, reusing, and growing food in allotments and gardens.

From 1941 onwards, women were conscripted for war work, taking on roles such as mechanics, engineers, munitions workers, air raid wardens, and drivers of buses and fire engines.

Initially, only single women aged 20-30 were called up, but by mid-1943, almost 90 per cent of single women and 80 per cent of married women were working in factories, on farms, or in the Armed Forces.

More than 640,000 women served in the Armed Forces, including in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), and the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). Many others flew unarmed aircraft, drove ambulances, served as nurses, or worked behind enemy lines with the European Resistance as part of the Special Operations Executive.

The most notable member of the ATS during the Second World War was Princess Elizabeth, who trained as a driver and mechanic, eventually reaching the rank of Junior Commander. Winston Churchill’s youngest daughter, Mary Churchill (later Lady Soames), also served in the ATS.

This bespoke brooch features the trademarked Royal British Legion poppy, accompanied by a mimosa flower, symbolising the international flower of women, and the imprint of wheat, representing the contributions of the Women’s Land Army, one of the many women’s regiments of the Second World War. Additionally, the initials of several women’s regiments are engraved on the back of the brooch in remembrance of all those who served.

All profits from your purchase will go towards the Royal British Legion's work in supporting the Armed Forces community.

• Dimensions: 5cm (H) x 2.8cm (W) x 0.87cm (D)
• Materials: Zinc, Brass, Glass, Plastic, Enamel