At only seventeen years of age Pat joined the WRAC and was soon posted to Shoeburyness as an Experimental Assistant in Gunnery. Pat discusses the high level of classification she experienced whilst working as an EAG and how on her arrival she had to be cleared with the secret atomic at the highest grade of security. She goes on to further describe how all aspects of her life had to be investigated in order for her, and other soldiers, to engage in the top secret work at this posting. Pat reflects fondly on this time period and speaks passionately about her role as an optical measurer. After a few years Pat married and was forced to leave the army as there were no opportunities for marital couples to be posted together. When asked to reflect on her time with the WRAC Pat was grateful for the skills and experiences she was able to take with her from her time in the military, however, struggles to view herself as a veteran due to the glass ceiling that restricted opportunities for women in the 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.

As a child Margaret travelled around the world with her father who was in the Royal Navy, therefore when she settled in England, joined the WRAC as a means of continuing her travels. Margaret joined in 1975, and as the first intake of army recruits after the Guildford bomb, she described the unnerving atmosphere and extreme safety precautions that were at place during her first six weeks of training. Having previously trained as a hairdresser, Margaret continued this trade and was quickly posted to Northern Ireland where she ran her own hairdressers in Aldergrove. She describes the horror of the bombings, shootings and overall violence in Ireland and her experience with PTSD following this posting. When asked to reflect on the WRAC, Margaret states that although she enjoyed the confidence being in the military gave her, she felt resentment towards the manner in which her career was so easily terminated as a result of pregnancy.