The Military Mark of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II is the only female member of the British Royal Family to join the military, and served in World War II.

Women are playing an increasingly important role in armed forces around the world. Many women have been honored for their strength, courage, and resilience in a traditionally male-dominated environment. Here are portraits of women soldiers who have made an indelible mark on the military.

Queen Elizabeth II’s full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, born on April 21, 1926. She is the first child of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

In 1944, at the age of 18, Princess Elizabeth resolutely joined the army despite her father’s objections. She was trained as a logistics support, driver, and mechanic. Princess Elizabeth trained as a mechanic during World War II. Photo: Alamy Stock Photo
When World War II began, Princess Elizabeth was only 13 years old, and her sister Margaret was only 8. Although many urged the Queen to evacuate her two daughters to Canada, she refused.

“My children will not leave without me. I will not go anywhere without the king. And the king will never leave,” the Queen was quoted as saying by Business Insider.

According to the New York Times, the fact that Princess Elizabeth’s family stayed in England during World War II from 1939-1945 was highly appreciated by the public. They became a symbol of courage and resilience.

According to Stars and Stripes, King George initially opposed the idea of ​​his daughter joining the army, but Princess Elizabeth tried every way to convince him. Photo: Alamy Stock Photo
At the age of 18, the princess joined the Auxiliary Service (ATS), learning to repair vehicles and drive large trucks such as ambulances. The Queen visited during the princess’s time at the ATS. After ascending the throne, Queen Elizabeth II continued to drive herself regularly. She was once the only person in Britain allowed to drive without a license.

King George also made sure that his daughter would not be given any special privileges in the army. But according to Life magazine in 1945, the princess at that time “did not sleep in the barracks but drove every night to Windsor Castle, and reported at 9 o’clock the next morning.”

Although they did not take on a combat role, volunteering for the ATS did not mean that it was without potential risks. Notably, women in the ATS took on many traditionally male jobs during the war, such as making batteries and searching for enemy aircraft. According to the BBC, at its peak, the ATS attracted 210,308 women, and 335 died.

While working as a mechanic, Princess Elizabeth’s army number was 230873, stationed at Camberley, Surrey. She learned how to change wheels and disassemble and assemble different types of engines.

According to Collier’s magazine published in 1947, the princess enjoyed working as a mechanic, although it was quite hard. The princess also had a hobby of showing off her dirty and greasy fingernails to her friends.

According to the Royal Collection Trust, the princess was promoted to the rank of corporal by 1945. When the war ended, Princess Elizabeth completed her studies at the ATS Mechanics Training Center No. 1, and became a driver.

After the war, the princess often appeared in military uniform, and wore many medals.

At the age of 27, the princess ascended the British throne as Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 after her father’s death. With a reign of more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British royal history. The previous record was held by Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth died at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022.

Some pictures of Princess Elizabeth joining the army: