Mavis Went Too

'My good lady, go home and sit still-no petticoats here.'

War Office to Dr Elsie Inglis, August 1914 War has never been solely a man's domain, fought by male soldiers and sailors. Ordinary women have always made a contribution. They may not have been awarded medals and were not always even fed and paid, but a handful of the women who lived and worked as soldiers and sailors did gain respect, high rank and positions of responsibility. Many of these women had to pass themselves off as men while many more did essential work as provisioners, laundresses and cooks forming the unacknowledged backbone of military campaigns. There were also female spies and many nurses who endured considerable danger and discomfort to reduced the suffering of the men. This book explores the lives of the wives, cross-dressing soldiers, prostitutes, medics and more, and the price they often had to pay.