The extraordinary courage of women who risked their lives to rescue civilians during the Blitz has been brought to light with the release of rare photographs by the London Ambulance Service (LAS), marking International Women’s Day.
The newly discovered images depict women who served as paramedics, ambulance drivers, and mechanics during World War Two. One powerful photograph shows Ann Armitage and Betty Leverton, two members of the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service (LAAS), braving the dangers of wartime London. In their wooden ambulance, the pair drove through a blazing oil spill to rescue the injured following bombings in the East End. Despite the life-threatening conditions, they completed five separate journeys to ensure that no one was left behind.
For their selfless bravery, Armitage and Leverton were later awarded the British Empire Medal, a fitting recognition for their heroism during a time of unimaginable danger.
The photographs were recently unearthed from the archives at the LAS, along with records revealing that more than 5,000 women volunteered for the service during the Second World War. These records are now being carefully documented, with the LAS consulting museums for advice on how to best preserve these invaluable historical accounts.
Craig Henty, Head of the Historic Collection at LAS, highlighted the significance of these discoveries. “We are beginning to uncover the stories of many courageous women who took on frontline roles,” Henty said. “They worked around the clock, often putting out fires, clearing debris, and climbing unstable buildings to rescue the injured or recover the dead.”
Women had long been involved in ambulance services, starting with roles during World War One, including at Bloomsbury Station, which was staffed entirely by women. However, once the war ended, women were largely asked to step aside when men returned from service.
Fast forward to today, and women now make up 53% of the LAS workforce, with 44% of its managers being female. The service also celebrated its chief paramedic, Pauline Cranmer, who made history by becoming the first woman appointed to this prestigious role in the UK.
These newly revealed stories serve as a powerful reminder of the bravery and resilience shown by women on the frontlines, and their lasting legacy in the history of the London Ambulance Service.
