The first women associated with the Army were called camp followers, and provided much needed services including cooking, laundry, and first aid. Some of these were soldier’s wives. A ballot selection was held at the dock, with six (later four) women per 100 men allowed to accompany the regiment. Women who were left behind had no support from the army. The women who went on campaign were entitled to half rations with children entitled to quarter rations, however they lost all support if their husbands died on campaign.

For those stationed at home, there were no married quarters. In barracks the married men had a curtained off area for their wives and children, sleeping in a large room with the single men. After the end of the Crimean War (1853-1856), the British Army underwent radical changes as it became concerned with the moral and physical well-being of soldiers and their families.

The First World War was the first time women served in uniform outside of the role of nursing. By 1915 there were several voluntary women’s groups that took on driving roles and cooking, but nothing official was formed until after the Somme in 1916. To free up men for front line service, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was formed of civilian women who undertook support and administrative roles in the UK and France. They acted as clerical staff, domestic staff, cooks, drivers, supply clerks, and within the Graves Registration Unit. For their service during the 1918 Spring Offensive they were renamed the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps (QMAAC). They were disbanded in 1921.