Kay Wingate joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) at 19, inspired by her father, who had previously served in the army. Originally from Essex, her military career took her to the Isle of Man, where she trained as a member of the top-secret Y service, listening in to German military wireless signals. After learning how to decipher Morse code, she was then stationed in Harrogate as a wireless operative. Kay recalls she had ‘no aptitude’ for Morse and had to learn it from scratch. Despite this challenge, she surpassed the speed of 18 words per minute, a skill which offered her better pay. Some of the messages that the ATS decoded were sent to Bletchley Park. Having signed the Secrets Act, she wasn’t able to tell a soul about her work. She was released from service in 1946. Kay looks back on her time with the ATS with fond memories, which saw the forging of lifelong friendships. While she never saw combat, her interview offers an important insight into the day-to-day operations of those involved in the Secret War, in addition to the vital work carried out by the women’s branch of the British Army.

Growing up in Guyana with her grandmother and aunts, Roxanne was often told she lacked courage. Before her 12^th birthday, she and her sister moved to the UK, joining their mother and five siblings. The following years filled Roxanne with sadness as she struggled to adjust. At 17, she convinced her mother to let her join the army. Roxanne envisioned herself in an action-packed role where she could chase the courage she yearned for. So, when she passed the test for the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC), she did not expect to be told she would make the “perfect stewardess”. She went to train at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London, and never looked back. Talent, determination and the encouragement of a supportive mentor, saw Roxanne quickly rise through the ranks. At just 18 years old, she was promoted to Lance Corporal, later graduating to Corporal. She recounts many once-in-a-lifetime moments. From escorting Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Artillery, to working at Windsor Castle for Prince Charles’ champagne breakfast. She also recalls challenges: experiencing racism, jealousy, loneliness, and a marriage that prematurely ended her time at WRAC. Roxanne’s story epitomises perseverance in the face of self-doubt.