Rare inspiring photos show the heroic war efforts of Portsmouth’s women

While husbands, fathers and sons went off to fight in mainland Europe it was the women who were often left behind, and they played a huge role in determining the fate of the two major conflicts.

SEE ALSO: 37 photos to take you back to Portsmouth in 1982

Portsmouth was no exception where women were a key part of the army and Royal Navy functions.

In the photos below you can see some of the inspiring work carried out during the First World War between 1914 and 1918, and the Second World nearly three decades later.

Work undertaken included the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), The Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS) and The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY).

SEE MORE: 25 photos showing how the Second World War changed Portsmouth beyond recognition

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