The changing role of women in warfare, a neglected aspect of military history, is the subject of this collection of perceptive, thought-provoking essays. By looking at the wide range of ways in which women have become involved in all the aspects of war, the authors open up this fascinating topic to wider understanding and debate. They discuss how, particularly in the two world wars, women have been increasingly mobilized in all the armed services, originally as support staff, then in defensive combat roles. They also consider the tragic story of women as victims of male violence, and how women have often put up a heroic resistance, and examine how women have been drawn into direct combat roles on an unprecedented level, a trend that is still controversial in the present day. The collection brings together the work of noted academics and historians with the wartime experiences of women who have remarkable personal stories to tell. The book will be a milestone in the study of the recent history of the parts women have played in the history of warfare. AUTHOR: Celia Lee is an honorary research fellow of the Centre for First World War Studies, University of Birmingham. She has made a special study of the role of Churchill women in war. She is the author of Jean, Lady Hamilton and Jack: The Churchill Brothers and The Churchills: A Family Portrait. She is currently writing a study of the public work of HRH The Duke of Kent. Paul Edward Strong is a government researcher and historian whose work has focused on the evolution of command systems throughout history. He has made a special study of the co-ordination of the offensives of 1918. He has also lectured on the history of fortifications, the role of women in twentieth century warfare. He is the author, with Sanders Marble, of Artillery in the Great War. SELLING POINTS: ? Wide-ranging, stimulating reassessment of the changing role of women in modern warfare ? Focuses on the parts women played in the world wars ? Considers the work of women on the home front, in support services, in defensive combat roles ? Chapters on the Second World War secret service work of women ? Traces the increasing involvement of women on the front-line in the Second World War ? A fascinating, varied introduction to all the issues surrounding women and warfare ILLUSTRATIONS 30 photos
