IN THEIR OWN WORDS
WOMEN WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR ll
By Rachel Vogeleisen
ISBN: 978-1-86151-394-6 Paperback £12.99
Published 19 OCTOBER 2015 by Mereo www.mereobooks.com
As the traditional time for Remembrance approaches here is a book that is not only apt, but is simply a beautifully presented and fascinating glimpse of history from a female perspective.
A professional photographer specialising in portraits, Rachel Vogeleisen’s fascination with the Second World War was sparked by her childhood discovery that her grandfather found himself having to fight for the Germans against Russia. The culmination of ten years of research, In Their Own Words is a collection of portraits and testimonials recording the experiences of twenty-one women who volunteered during World War II. Interviewed by Rachel, the accounts have been left as far as possible in the women’s original words, so that their voices can be heard clearly and faithfully.
Including accounts from those who served in the ATS, ATA, WRNS, WAAF and as members of the Land Army, what is significant is that these women are some of the last alive to speak about their wartime experiences.
A talented photographer with a distinct talent for capturing the spirit of her subjects, Vogeleisen’s portraits complement each woman’s account. From top secret work at Bletchley Park to flying Spitfires, it’s an extraordinary and extremely humbling look back at a time in history when people were made of sterner stuff. It is also a celebration of women in old age – their wisdom, wit, warmth and fortitude.
Detailing their extraordinary work, much of it behind the scenes, the women featured in this book are among many whose incredible efforts went unrecognised. It was not until 2005 that their contribution to the war effort was recognised with a memorial dedicated to the women of World War Two in Whitehall, London.
Highly recommended.
Sample quotes:
“I was not allowed to tell my family about my role at Bletchley Park until the 1970s, as I was bound by the Official Secrets Act. There was absolute secrecy surrounding our work. When we were trained, we were told not to ask questions; do what you’re told, do this, that and the other, and don’t ask why.”
“My only interest in flying was through my boyfriends; all were pilots in training. No one flew before the war unless they were very wealthy. Where we are in this part of the country, we are surrounded by airfields; Little Rissington, Aston Down and Kemble. I was reading The Aeroplane, a monthly magazine, still going, and it said that the ATA had run out of qualified pilots and they were training ab initio. I applied and got in; at the time I didn’t even drive a car!”
“My sister broke one Spitfire; she tried to land with a crosswind, a tyre blew off and she touched with the undercarriage, but she said, “All I broke is a fingernail!” “
About the author:
Rachel Vogeleisen was born in Alsace, France. A keen history student, World War ll was a strong subject for her while at school – “but I can’t remember my history books mentioning the role of women once! How could we imagine a country at complete stand still because the men were called to war? The Women who choose to get involved wanted to do their bit for the country; they felt it was their role to help. I wanted to meet these women, hear their stories and give them some recognition. This book will tell you some of their stories and give you a glimpse of how they are still standing proud today.” Rachel is a photographer. She lives in Ealing, London.