For International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the stories of women and their connections to the Royal Air Force. We have collected stories about the Women’s Royal Air Force, Air Transport Auxiliary, becoming the first female in various roles in the RAF, and many other stories exploring life as a woman in the RAF.
Stories from across the globe
Close-
I'm a rebel woman.
Katherine Du Plat-Taylor -
They weren't to know this little old lady had broken the sound barrier.
Candida Adkins -
He was worried I'd be a 'typical female'.
Wg Cdr Louise Henton -
I don't believe in women pilots, but you're ok.
Anonymous -
I was paid 2p per day less than my male colleagues
Julie Brierley -
Grandma served egg and chips to Winston Churchill
Emma Knutzen -
They didn't realize I'd been flying the aircraft.
Julie Gibson -
Women have proved themselves just as good as our male counterparts.
Joan Ochuodho -
I was afraid that someone would have to lay down their life to protect me.
Eleanor Rance -
I was stubborn: I had to prove I could do it.
Michelle Partington -
I saw a job advert in Cosmopolitan
Suzanne Flynn -
My sexuality has no impact on my role in the RAF.
Kate Brophy -
I hadn't even had my ears pierced
Rachel Williamson -
In my mind I could hear my Nan telling me what I should do.
Lauren Smith -
The RAF couldn't waste my skills and experience.
Caroline Paige -
After my first flight I was buzzing for days
Fiona Knight