The Queen has met up with some long-lost pals during a visit to the Imperial War Museum in London. The monarch was there to open the Women And War exhibition, which chronicles women's contribution to Britain's military efforts through the years.
Upon arrival she was joined by six members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, with whom she trained back in 1945. Her Majesty was just 19-years-old when she underwent a driving and mechanics course at Camberley in Surrey.
"From my experience as a second subaltern in the ATS I began to understand the esprit de corps that flourishes in the face of adversity and forges friendships which last a lifetime,” she said.
“Throughout my reign I have watched with admiration how women in the three services and many related organisations have taken on wider responsibilities and ever more demanding roles on land, on sea and in the air."
Reflecting on their time together during the conflict, 87-year-old Eileen Hall said the royal second subaltern was a very committed trainee. “She was absolutely charming and she was very hard working,” revealed the octogenarian. “She had to get used to us for a few days and we had to get used to her, but after that we all chatted like mad.”
Elizabeth Turnball meanwhile remembered the teenage Elizabeth as a retiring young woman. "She was very shy but very interested in everything that was going on and very, very good at doing what she had to do," said the 80-year-old.
During her visit, the Queen also met current forces sweetheart Nell McAndrew, who has become something of a heroine thanks to her morale-boosting shows for British troops in the Middle East.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
