Corsets To Camouflage: Women And War

by Kate Adie

Uniform is universally seen as both a stamp of authority and of official acceptance. But the sight of a woman in military uniform still provokes controversy. Although more women are now taking prominent roles in combat, the status implied by uniform is often regarded as contrary to the general perception of womanhood. This study of the image of uniformed women, both in conflict and in civilian roles throughout the 20th century examines the extraordinary range of jobs that uniformed women have performed, from nursing to the armed services. Through complementary correspondence and many personal stories Kate Adiee brings the enormous and often unsung achievements of women in uniform to life and looks at how far women have come in a century which, for them, began restricted in corsets and has ended on the battlefield in camouflage.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, War, Feminism, Travel, Journalism

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

I’m having a good go at finishing some of my stack of unfinished books. This one was commissioned to accompany an excellent exhibit at London’s Imperial War Museum, “Women and War,” 15 Oct. 2003 to 18 April 2004. Despite the fact that my inspiration for seeing this exhibit was my then-obsession with the Battle of Britain, this is what I remember most vividly from the exhibit: 1) a skirt made out of silk escape maps. 2) an SOE wireless operator’s radio set. 3) Another SOE agent’s dress with a bullet hole through it. 4) A photograph of Odette Sampson’s quiet smile next to her own words: “If you look into the eyes of the man who is torturing you he knows he cannot win. You are stronger than he is. He can kill you but that is all.” I bought the book but only read the chapter about the SOE women.

Anyway, now that I’ve finished Adie’s book, which I enjoyed and which introduced me to many new interesting and fascinating characters (Lilian Bader! A black WAAF! Who knew!), towards the end I found myself wondering… Why is Adie rabbiting on SO MUCH about fashion? This is supposed to document our journey from “the weaker sex” to being full players in world affairs. It seems to me that the women who really take their combat jobs seriously (I’m thinking WWII Red Army soldiers) aren’t too worried about whether or not their “Mess Dress” will be out of style at a military dinner two decades down the road. And then I realized that although the exhibit was titled “Women and War,” that’s only the subtitle of the accompanying book. The book's title is “Corsets to Camouflage,” and corsets and camouflage it is. I CAN’T SAY how much this revelation annoys me. Why the change of focus? “Women and War” not catchy enough, not sexy enough? Or are we really all that shallow, and the bottom line is how good we look in uniform?

So, a flawed book… so many of Adie’s specific examples are from Sunderland, her hometown, which though inevitable and interesting, provides a lopsided worldview based on Sunderland. The focus on clothing bugs me throughout the book. (After all, the subtitle is still “Women and War,” not “Skirts on the Battlefield.”) But it’s wonderfully illustrated and provides a very good introduction and overview to anyone who’s embarking on a historical feminist military odyssey. Not that I’d do that, right?

[Darren Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off with a confession, I work for an organisation where Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is rammed down people’s throats like some Maoist Little Red Book brain washing exercise. A worthy idea taken to the politically correct extremes so that it stifles open debate or rational thinking. Speak out about biology or some groups being seen as above the law and risk finding career enhancements crushed. Not a background that would normally induce me to even approach this book for fear that it was just another exercise in misandry where ‘men’ were all sexist pigs out to stop the advancement of women.
Therefore, with a large amount of trepidation, I began to read Corsets and Camouflage. The more I read it the more my initial caution was swept away and was able to appreciate how beautifully written and thorough it truly was.
It detailed that, despite the Western 20th century views that women could make bullets they shouldn’t actually pull the triggers, the female fighting and killing had been accepted well before then. Despite them being overlooked in most history books women served under Nelson at Trafalgar. In those ships there was no room for segregated rolls or facilities. They ‘manned’ the guns and lived or died just like everyone else onboard. Then as views and wars changed any woman that wanted to fight, or practice medicine, had to pretend to be men. Some didn’t get away with it but who knows how many did?
Then Kate brought the history into the more modern time where feminism, suffrage and equality were born. The 20th Century might have started with ideas that a women’s place’s was at home where they cooked, cleaned and reproduced for men - numerous wars slowly changed those attitudes.
Utilising examples, and first-hand accounts, from seemingly ordinary women who were turned canary yellow from working in munitions factories or were expected to do clerical work for 1/3rd of the male’s wage through to examples of courage, such as Odette Sansom, Violette Szabo or the lesser-known Soviet Nigh Witches. Those who managed to fight for their countries and frequently die for it as well.
A fascinating and educational book and definitely well worth reading. Any qualms about the book? Only that it showed that, even for famous journalists, a skilled proof-reader/editor is hard to find. Other than that I enjoyed it.

[Radcliff Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Corsets and Camouflage' is an absorbing and meticulously researched account of how women became not only highly skilled at jobs presumed to be solely the domain of men, but also how they gradually became an essential part of the country's defence forces. Not allowed to carry weapons, women were nevertheless often involved in the frontline of battle, and many died heroic deaths. However, their prospects of being awarded a medal, or even a commendation, were barely above zero.

Despite having to endure queasiness and reluctance by the government and armed forces about their ability to learn technical skills and cope in battlefield situations, women proved to be quite as adept as their male counterparts. In fact, when it came to adapting to fly aeroplanes, they tended to be rather quicker on the uptake.

For anyone interested in the history of the armed forces, as well as those researching women's history, Kate Adie's book is a riveting read. Far from being the weaker sex, as women were almost ubiquitously assumed to be, these ordinary women proved themselves to be quite extraordinary, and Adie is both an adept historian and writer.

[Katie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Amazing and inspiring read for young women and men to realise how far we have come in the past century. I learnt so much and was shocked and amazed by some of the stories of the women discussed in the book. I enjoyed the extracts from women’s diary’s throughout. Only thing I found difficult was keeping up with the many names of the women throughout the book. Some knowledge of history of wars helps also.

[Peter Timson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually bought this book by mistake as I was looking for another Kate Adie book. It's sat on my shelves for a long time since my copy is actually the 2004 paperback (looks the same as the edition shown though). I picked it up again recently after becoming yet more interested in the history of the army & services. Found it nicely compliments Richards Holmes' "Soldiers". Well written.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, with stories of lesser known ladies who fought, many of whom were disguised as men. These individual stories are the reason why this book should be recognised and enjoyed.
I took great pleasure in dipping in and out of this book.

[Tabbetha · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about some of the unsung female heroes of the western world, but the bulk of the book was devoted to WWI, and barely touched on the history of women in warfare during any other era.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written, informative and eye-opening read. It made me full of admiration for many of the named women Kate Adie has researched and written about and has prompted some further reading up of my own.

[Barbara Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant overview of the role of women in war.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating account of women and war, well served by real-life examples and stories. A number of aspects were included which I had not considered before. Well worth reading.

[vihra · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting, but the writing didnt appeal to me

[David Highton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting history of women in war, in or out of the Armed Forces

[Rachel Brune · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this history of women engaged in war work, especially from the British perspective. The only objection was the final chapter, which seemed to lose focus and merely repeat tired stereotypes about women in the military (focusing on the American military, which was weird.) On the basis of all the preceding chapters, though, I recommend it as a good read.

[Dark-Draco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does 'exactly what it says on the tin'! It follows the first women who went to war, the struggle to be excepted and be allowed to do their bit, right up to today's mixed sex forces. The first few chapters are riveting, as Adie decribes the FANY's galloping onto the battlefields of Crimea to rescue the wounded. Then there is the first World War and the start of the WREN's, WRAF's and assorted groups, with all the problems they faced. The familar WWII stories of Land Girls and Munition workers comes next, although the glamour that is portrayed in films is thankfully stripped away. And so on the Balkans and Gulf Wars.

I did enjoy this book. It was fascinating and I was amazed at how previous generations fought so hard to be recognised for the work that they did. The stories of women being refused medals, despite being alongside the men in the front lines, makes you feel sad for everything that has gone on before.

My only criticism of the book, well..actually two.. is that most of it is taken up with WWI and WWII. OK, these are the years of most change, but the period from 1945 to the first Gulf War is dealt with in 14 pages! Where are the diary entries and true life stories? And the last chapter is more about Adie's experiences that the soldiers she watches. I also cringed about the amount of time decribing uniforms and make-up - isn't that the sort of image the book is trying to counter?Still, a good read, well worth giving your time to.

[Hettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

" This study of the image of uniformed women, both in conflict and in civilian roles throughout the 20th century examines the extraordinary range of jobs that uniformed women have performed, from nursing to the armed services."

I loved the idea of this book however the reality of it was disappointing. I found that much of the information was disjointed and juped from one subject to another with no warning.

There was a great deal of very interesting information contained in it and it has inspired me to read about many of the people and subjects within the books. It was fustrating that these were mentioned in only a sentence or 2 and then another was mentioned. It would have been more rewarded to have had fewer examples in more detail.

I would recommed this book as it is an interesting subject were there are few books that I could find.

If anyone has any book recommendations based off this book I would be very intersted to here them.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating- the history of women in uniform- emphasis on Britain and the two world wars but goes right up to contemporary US "politically correct" integrated forces. Being written by a BBC journalist who has been one of UK's leading war correspondents means it is highly readable. Heard Kate Adie at the Ubud Writers Festival talking about it with great humour. Mind you, far from convincing me that women should have equal access to all jobs in the armed forces, it has made me more of a pacifist than ever-get everyone out rather than put women in- and make peace not war!.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A study of women's role not only in war but out of the combat one and 'at home' mainly from Victorian times to the present day. Lots of illustrations and photographs with accessible text. Kate Adie explains how the differences in wage rates, clothing and mores affected women as well and details the 'less dangerous' jobs. Drawing on letters and articles in 'The Lady' she brings home the prevailing attitudes of the day. Drawing on her home town's experiences she makes what is so big, real. Have learnt much from this book.

[Madara Bruģe · Rating 4 out of 5]

No korsetēm līdz kamuflāžai: sievietes karā. Šī grāmata ir pētījums, kas izseko līdzi sievietēm militārajā vēsturē no 16. gadsimta līdz mūsdienu jaukto dzmumu militārajiem spēkiem.

Šeit galvenais ir reālu sieviešu dzīves, atmiņu stāsti. Kā viņām tika liegtas medaļas par dalību kaujā, tas nekas, ka viņas stāvēja plecu pie pleca ar vīriešiem. Pirmās rotu komandieres, pirmās lidotājas. Kaujas lauka medmāsas, mašīnu vadītājas, kavalēristes, izpletņlēcējas, spiedzes. Mājsaimnieces, fabriku strādnieces, šuvējas, patrulētājas. Neaprakstāma drosme, neatlaidība un iedvesma.

[Nell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book on the role of women in warfare. A useful addition to my research library

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book

[Bethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book. Very informative about the many aspects of women's contributions to war efforts at home and in the wider world. A lot to think about.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read about women's role in the armed forces and war. Some very interesting facts and some funny attitudes on the part of men!