Women in World War One

World War One, also known as the First World War (1914-1918), happened mainly in Europe. This global war was triggered with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June 1914. This led to open warfare in Europe within a month itself. World War One was the time when men had to leave their jobs and land to fight overseas. Women took over many jobs to fill in the needs during this time of crisis. Women in World War One had many dangerous missions as well. With increasing pressures at the work front, women in World War One also had to treat the wounded soldiers or handle jobs that involved heavy work such as unloading coal. Women in World War One thus showed a lot of courage and grit along with determination. Here’s a look at the notable contributions by women who made a mark in World War 1.

Women in World War One:

Dorothy Lawrence:
This dynamic lady was born in Polesworth, Warwickshire (4 October 1896-1964). From the very beginning Dorothy Lawrence had a strong desire to be a war reporter. In the year 1914, with the commencement of World War 1, she strongly tried to get employed as a war reporter but it seemed improbable since, men also had a reportedly tough time to procure the same job. She finally managed to secretly pose as a man and thus became a soldier in World War 1. She was assisted by two English soldiers who helped her cut her hair in the typical military style. She underwent a lot of hardships and even managed to use a forged identity later on. Due to ill health, she finally presented herself to the commanding sergeant. After this incident, she was declared as a spy. Her tale of disguising herself as woman was kept under wraps for fear many women would follow suit. She was not even permitted to write or publish any articles regarding the same. It was only after the end of World War One, Dorothy Lawrence wrote about all her experiences, which was finally discovered by a historian.

Flora Sandes:
She was one of the courageous women in World War One. Flora Sandes (January 22 1876- 1961) was the only British woman who was known as the one to be officially enrolled as a soldier during World War 1. She was also known widely to be the first woman to be commissioned as an officer Serbian army. Flora Sandes was born in Poppleton in Yorkshire. She received training at an early age at the Ladies’ Nursing Yeomanry and thus, became the first volunteer to become a nurse. Around August 1914, Flora joined a group of women to help in the crisis seen during that period. She thus joined the Serbian Red Cross but was separated from her unit. For the safety factor, Flora Sandes joined the Serbian regiment. This quickly secured her the rank of a Corporal but she was later injured in a combat. This was around the same time when Flora Sandes was promoted to the post of a Sergeant Major. She also helped to raise funds for the Serbian Army. Due to her injury, she was unable to serve the army and therefore, she continued to run a hospital for the later years of her life.

Ecaterina Teodoroiu:
This Romanian woman is highly regarded as the heroine of Romania. She was born in a small village of Vădeni, which lies in Southern Romania. She joined the Romanian Army in 1916 during the first battle of Jiu. Although she began as a nurse, she finally decided to become a front line soldier. Even though she faced many tough situations she managed to pull through them with great determination. She thus received the Military Virtue Medal, 1st Class award for her display of courage and determination. She lost her life in the Battle of Mărăşeşti when she was finally hit by German machine gunfire.

Loretta Perfectus Walsh:
Loretta Perfectus Walsh was born in Philadelphia in Pennsylvania (April 22 1896-August 6 1925). Due to the events that began with World War I, Loretta Perfectus Walsh preferred to enlist in the United States Navy. She also secured the title of the first active duty Navy woman when she joined a 4 year enlistment with the U.S. Naval Reserve. This happened in 1917. Loretta Perfectus Walsh was sworn as the Chief Yeoman on 21 March, 1917.

Opha Mae Johnson:
Opha Mae Johnson (c. 1900) was the first woman who was enlisted in the Marine Corps. This happened during the midst of World War 1. Opha Mae Johnson was also known as the first of the total 305 women who were enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Opha Mae Johnson initially worked as a secretary, military nurse and other jobs which women in World War 1 were initially permitted to do. It was only during the late 1940s, female Marines were finally allowed to serve in the war zone.

These courageous women in World War One paved the way for many others to follow suit. Their lives, full of sacrifice and brave deeds can prove to be an inspiration for people even today.

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