QUEEN ELIZABETH II & WORLD WAR 2 - THE SERVICE OF HER MAJESTY

QUEEN ELIZABETH II & WORLD WAR 2 - THE SERVICE OF HER MAJESTY

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II served in the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War? So what exactly did she do during the Second World War?

Photo: historydaily.org

As reported by The Independent, when the Second World War began in 1939, Princess Elizabeth was 13 years old while her younger sister, Princess Margaret, was nine years old. At that time it was suggested that the young princesses should be evacuated abroad, namely to North America or Canada.

However, the Queen Mother (who was Queen at the time) was adamant and refused to leave. She stated the children would not leave without him. In addition, she added that will not leave the King.

Eventually, the princesses remained in England and continued to move between Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Sandringham House, and Windsor Castle, before settling down for several years.

In 1940, Princess Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast, dealing with child refugees.

"We are trying to do all we can to help our brave sailors, soldiers, and airmen, and we are also trying to bear our own share of the dangers and sorrows of war," he told BBC Children's Hour.

As Princess Elizabeth approaches her 18th birthday, she feels the need to get involved in the ongoing War. In 1945, Life magazine published an article stating that after “long deliberation”, King George VI had decided that she could join any women’s auxiliaries, or work in factories”.

However, shortly thereafter, it was stated that she had been awarded a commission as a second honorary subordinate in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) on February 24, 1945.

Once she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, Princess Elizabeth was trained as a chauffeur. After passing the military driving test, she became the driver of the Second Subaltern Windsor Unit.

She was later promoted to the rank of honorary junior commander, which at that point would be the female equivalent of being captain.

One day, she received a visit from his mother, Queen Elizabeth, who watched as her daughter explained what her role was.

In an issue of Life magazine published in 1945, it was explained that although the princess began serving in the armed forces, she did not sleep in the camp but settled every night at Windsor Castle.

The Queen went on to become the first female member of the royal family to serve in the armed forces and is the only surviving head of state in the Second World War.