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We Also Served: The Forgotten Women of the First World War
A social history of British women’s brave yet forgotten service during WWI from a historian of female wartime experiences—includes photos. At the outbreak of World War I, women looking to contribute to the Allied effort were told by the war office to “go home and sit still.” Thankfully, hundreds of thousands of women from all corners of society ignored that advice and lent their collective strength to the cause. In We Also Served, Vivien Newman digs beneath the myths surrounding women’s war efforts to reveal stories of determination and heroism. Becoming nurses, munitions workers, members of the Land Army, ambulance drivers, and surgeons, women stepped readily into a world normally occupied by men. Some served with the Armed Forces, others funded and managed their own hospitals within sight and sound of the guns. At least one British woman bore arms, and over a thousand women lost their lives as a direct result of their involvement with the war. This profoundly important history by an expert in female wartime experiences lets these all but forgotten voices finally be heard. “A short book rich in facts and personal testimonies.” —Historical Novel Society
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 19, 2021
I read this book with thanks to netgalley in return for an honest review.
I’ve always been fascinated by the role of women in the war, back in a time when the social standings of women were a world apart from how they are today. To see women step up and help in the war effort, when they were still seen as the lesser gender is definitely a landmark in history. It really goes to show how it took a crises for women to be seen in a new dawning light!
Reading these empowering stories were great. I learnt a lot in this book, through tales and the different accounts of women and to see this side of the War from a women’s perspective as opposed to the men was a very interesting read. It was also nice to read the accounts from the First World War, as I definitely think there is more of an emphasis and literature regarding the women in the second rather than the first war, so this was a great book in that respect.
I loved be inclusion of snippets of media and newspaper articles from the time too and the book provided many little insights into the feelings, camaraderie and spirit of the war at the time. If some, utterly heartbreaking!
Starting from the early rumours of war, to Britain’s subsequent signing up, the book takes the reader through the roles of women, both in work and as the mothers, sisters and daughters of those who fought. I was astounded by many stories and enthralled into some of the tales.
It also included the stories of the women in different countries too. I had assumed the book would be based solely on British women so it was a nice addition to read about Australian, Canadian and American etc.. women too fighting for their countries, ‘knitting for victory’ alongside their sisters across the pond and providing their help for the war effort.
There was a lot covered and so many different women included in the chapters. There seemed so many names flying around it could be hard to keep up, however some of the exampled women taking more of a centre stage in the writings.
Examples of astounding, uplifting and inspiring stories were a plenty here. It’s a great read for war enthusiasts, feminists and any who would like to know more about The War and women helping in the quest for victory.
As the book goes on though, it does cut a heavier feel, mainly discussing deaths, grief and heart wrenching stories which I think got heavier and heavier the more it went on. The only reason I gave this less stars than the initial 4 I was planning on half way through the book was, I was hoping for an uplifting feel and was left feel a little depressed and just plain sad. Although incredibly thoughtful for all the women who had died in service and for the cause. It’s nothing of the books fault however, just my usual hesitance to read anything sad given it’s not an emotion I regularly go seeking for in non fiction books!
It is a great read though and further immortalises the names and great stories of the women of the War.
I’ve always been fascinated by the role of women in the war, back in a time when the social standings of women were a world apart from how they are today. To see women step up and help in the war effort, when they were still seen as the lesser gender is definitely a landmark in history. It really goes to show how it took a crises for women to be seen in a new dawning light!
Reading these empowering stories were great. I learnt a lot in this book, through tales and the different accounts of women and to see this side of the War from a women’s perspective as opposed to the men was a very interesting read. It was also nice to read the accounts from the First World War, as I definitely think there is more of an emphasis and literature regarding the women in the second rather than the first war, so this was a great book in that respect.
I loved be inclusion of snippets of media and newspaper articles from the time too and the book provided many little insights into the feelings, camaraderie and spirit of the war at the time. If some, utterly heartbreaking!
Starting from the early rumours of war, to Britain’s subsequent signing up, the book takes the reader through the roles of women, both in work and as the mothers, sisters and daughters of those who fought. I was astounded by many stories and enthralled into some of the tales.
It also included the stories of the women in different countries too. I had assumed the book would be based solely on British women so it was a nice addition to read about Australian, Canadian and American etc.. women too fighting for their countries, ‘knitting for victory’ alongside their sisters across the pond and providing their help for the war effort.
There was a lot covered and so many different women included in the chapters. There seemed so many names flying around it could be hard to keep up, however some of the exampled women taking more of a centre stage in the writings.
Examples of astounding, uplifting and inspiring stories were a plenty here. It’s a great read for war enthusiasts, feminists and any who would like to know more about The War and women helping in the quest for victory.
As the book goes on though, it does cut a heavier feel, mainly discussing deaths, grief and heart wrenching stories which I think got heavier and heavier the more it went on. The only reason I gave this less stars than the initial 4 I was planning on half way through the book was, I was hoping for an uplifting feel and was left feel a little depressed and just plain sad. Although incredibly thoughtful for all the women who had died in service and for the cause. It’s nothing of the books fault however, just my usual hesitance to read anything sad given it’s not an emotion I regularly go seeking for in non fiction books!
It is a great read though and further immortalises the names and great stories of the women of the War.
February 17, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We Also Served: The Forgotten Women of the First World War by Vivien Newman is a history book I jumped at the chance to have the opportunity to read. I've always been interested in reading about women during wartime, but I usually tend to focus on World War II rather than earlier. Having the opportunity to learn a little more about their efforts during World War I was just as fascinating. I learned quite a bit about British, Canadian, Australian, and American women during the Great War from factory workers, farmers, nurses, to spies and beyond. There's so much more I'd like to learn in the future. This acts as a great primer with a lot of stories, but there's quite a bit more detail I'd love to know about the women featured and beyond.
We Also Served: The Forgotten Women of the First World War by Vivien Newman is a history book I jumped at the chance to have the opportunity to read. I've always been interested in reading about women during wartime, but I usually tend to focus on World War II rather than earlier. Having the opportunity to learn a little more about their efforts during World War I was just as fascinating. I learned quite a bit about British, Canadian, Australian, and American women during the Great War from factory workers, farmers, nurses, to spies and beyond. There's so much more I'd like to learn in the future. This acts as a great primer with a lot of stories, but there's quite a bit more detail I'd love to know about the women featured and beyond.
February 11, 2021
First sentence: I have always known about my grandfathers’ First World War service. Her father’s photograph was on my mother's bedside table, his eyes, haunted by all he had seen, staring into the middle distance. He was a Royal Army Medical Corps surgeon, specialising in abdominal wounds, and he served in France from November 1914. Like so many who returned, he spoke little about his war service, although post-war he worked with those still suffering from shell shock–teaching my mother to drive in the grounds of one of the ‘lunatic asylums’ he visited weekly.
Premise/plot: We Also Served is a nonfiction book about the many women--who served in many different ways--their countries during the First World War. (The book mainly--though not exclusively--focuses on the British Empire, so women from Great Britain, Canada, Australia. I believe a handful of Americans are mentioned but in very small numbers proportionally speaking.) The book is arranged/organized by the ways women served.
For example, the first chapter is about the women being brave enough to send their boys/men off to war; the campaigning that went on to make sure mothers and wives WOULD strongly encourage/support their men to go. But that isn't all it's about. It has a lot of KNITTING as well. In addition to knitting, women could WRITE LETTERS to boost morale and be supportive during the war.
But the book goes on in its chapters to focus on nurses, ambulance drivers, and the occasional doctor or surgeon. Not to mention the factory workers--especially in munitions but not only in munitions. Then, of course, there were the land girls--women involved in farming/harvesting. And then there was the occasional spy behind the enemy lines...
Some who served were involved in private enterprises--not forbidden by the government but not necessarily supported by the government and run by the government. There were private nursing units and more official government-sponsored nursing units for example.
The last two chapters focuses on women who died serving their country AND the women who mourned losses from the war. There were memorials and monuments to men who served and died--less honor was given to the women who died. They weren't exactly forgotten and dismissed altogether. But less was done to commemorate, recognize, and pay tribute to their service. Perhaps the least recognized of all were the women who died working in munitions. These deaths were purposefully not recorded or published.
ALL OF THE CHAPTERS were wonderful in that all are drawn from primary sources. Diaries. Letters. Journals. Memoirs. Oral Histories. Each chapter has at least one--if not dozens--of personal stories giving readers a behind the scenes glimpse of what it was like--their actual experiences.
My thoughts: I really found this one fascinating and well-researched. I read one chapter a day and enjoyed (if enjoyed is the right word???) each day's reading. I love it when nonfiction relies primarily on primary sources. I love hearing these stories, these experiences from firsthand sources--the women who were actually there. I would definitely recommend this one.
Premise/plot: We Also Served is a nonfiction book about the many women--who served in many different ways--their countries during the First World War. (The book mainly--though not exclusively--focuses on the British Empire, so women from Great Britain, Canada, Australia. I believe a handful of Americans are mentioned but in very small numbers proportionally speaking.) The book is arranged/organized by the ways women served.
For example, the first chapter is about the women being brave enough to send their boys/men off to war; the campaigning that went on to make sure mothers and wives WOULD strongly encourage/support their men to go. But that isn't all it's about. It has a lot of KNITTING as well. In addition to knitting, women could WRITE LETTERS to boost morale and be supportive during the war.
But the book goes on in its chapters to focus on nurses, ambulance drivers, and the occasional doctor or surgeon. Not to mention the factory workers--especially in munitions but not only in munitions. Then, of course, there were the land girls--women involved in farming/harvesting. And then there was the occasional spy behind the enemy lines...
Some who served were involved in private enterprises--not forbidden by the government but not necessarily supported by the government and run by the government. There were private nursing units and more official government-sponsored nursing units for example.
The last two chapters focuses on women who died serving their country AND the women who mourned losses from the war. There were memorials and monuments to men who served and died--less honor was given to the women who died. They weren't exactly forgotten and dismissed altogether. But less was done to commemorate, recognize, and pay tribute to their service. Perhaps the least recognized of all were the women who died working in munitions. These deaths were purposefully not recorded or published.
ALL OF THE CHAPTERS were wonderful in that all are drawn from primary sources. Diaries. Letters. Journals. Memoirs. Oral Histories. Each chapter has at least one--if not dozens--of personal stories giving readers a behind the scenes glimpse of what it was like--their actual experiences.
My thoughts: I really found this one fascinating and well-researched. I read one chapter a day and enjoyed (if enjoyed is the right word???) each day's reading. I love it when nonfiction relies primarily on primary sources. I love hearing these stories, these experiences from firsthand sources--the women who were actually there. I would definitely recommend this one.
January 26, 2021
I have to admit to not having read much about women's roles in WWI before. It was a different time completely, women were required to pretty much stay at home and look after their husbands and children. And wear long skirts whilst about it!
This book was an interesting insight into that time and the prevailing attitudes to women who wanted to get involved in "doing their bit". I didn't realise just how perilous things got for Britain in terms of food, and it is frustrating to think about the fact that the need for stepping up local production was identified but not acted upon, initially.
I had a bit of a chuckle when I read about people being scandalised by young women wearing breeches, good heaven's above, those hussies! lol. I enjoyed reading about the role of other women from Canada, the US, New Zealand and Australia too.
The author clearly did a lot of research into the role of women during the war; helping in factories (I didn't realise how dangerous that was), working on the land, working in the Services and even knitting at home. Fascinating, it really was. I was very sad when I realised just how many women lost their lives though, although I have nothing but admiration for their grit and determination to make a difference, especially at that time in history.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword.
This book was an interesting insight into that time and the prevailing attitudes to women who wanted to get involved in "doing their bit". I didn't realise just how perilous things got for Britain in terms of food, and it is frustrating to think about the fact that the need for stepping up local production was identified but not acted upon, initially.
I had a bit of a chuckle when I read about people being scandalised by young women wearing breeches, good heaven's above, those hussies! lol. I enjoyed reading about the role of other women from Canada, the US, New Zealand and Australia too.
The author clearly did a lot of research into the role of women during the war; helping in factories (I didn't realise how dangerous that was), working on the land, working in the Services and even knitting at home. Fascinating, it really was. I was very sad when I realised just how many women lost their lives though, although I have nothing but admiration for their grit and determination to make a difference, especially at that time in history.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword.
February 7, 2021
Thanks so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy of We Also Served in exchange for an honest review. This was fascinating read filled with a broad range of women’s roles and influence during WWI. I admit that prior to reading this, I had little knowledge of the impact that women had on the war, both in combat zones and at home. For instance, I was not aware of the importance of knitting or the need for Land Girls and munitions factory workers. Now, I have a detailed understanding of the war from a variety of female perspectives; the wife, mother, daughter, sister, etc. Furthermore, my biggest take away is how undervalued and unappreciated women’s contributions were.
I appreciate all of the research that the author conducted in order to bring this narrative to life. By incorporating diary entries, newspaper articles, etc., she was able to bring the women’s stories to life. I’m also grateful that she was able to include some pictures of subject materials in the back of the book (although I would have liked to see more). I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I appreciate all of the research that the author conducted in order to bring this narrative to life. By incorporating diary entries, newspaper articles, etc., she was able to bring the women’s stories to life. I’m also grateful that she was able to include some pictures of subject materials in the back of the book (although I would have liked to see more). I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
February 23, 2021
I find these books about women's contribution to the world both enlightening and frustrating. I knew that women were involved in WWI but I never knew that they knitted socks, wrote letters, drove ambulance, did the farming, made weapons, attended the sick as nurses and doctors and you know why because those in charge didn't think they were important enough. Also many women died help the war but weren't acknowledged because the establishment didn't want the public to know how many were dying and they didn't compensate them either. And you know what annoyed me the most is that after the war, all those jobs were taken away and the women were told to go away. Just Wow.
I'm so happy that this book was written for all those women who helped the war and did their part but didn't get the recognition they deserved.
I want to thank Pen & Sword History and Netgalley for an advance copy of this historic book.
I'm so happy that this book was written for all those women who helped the war and did their part but didn't get the recognition they deserved.
I want to thank Pen & Sword History and Netgalley for an advance copy of this historic book.
February 16, 2021
Fascinating. Now I want to look up her sources and investigate the online resources. I know so little about WWI, even as it affected the US; even though it was the period of my grandparents' young adulthood, and my grandfather served. Vivien Newman no has me hooked.
One thing. I wish the author or editor provided a glossary of acronyms. I didn't know most of them, so ended up creating my own list and figuring them out. Even where the author did spell the meanings out with the acronym (as per usual), I often forgot when I saw it again much later in the book.
One thing. I wish the author or editor provided a glossary of acronyms. I didn't know most of them, so ended up creating my own list and figuring them out. Even where the author did spell the meanings out with the acronym (as per usual), I often forgot when I saw it again much later in the book.
February 27, 2022
The perfect book for people who want to read about other aspects of war, apart from what the men did, worthwhile as that was of course. Plenty of details, including what the ladies who had served said and did to help, not just from the UK but Canada/US and the Commonwealth too. Sadness and anger at the deaths on the hospital ships attacked and sunk by the Germans, the dangers of making munitions, the double standards. An excellent refresher course for what went on during war and the futility of it. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2021
I must admit that at first, I did not know what to expect from the book. I came across it through NetGalley and I do not regret it (thank you, Publisher!). The book is a very good study of the participation of British women during World War I. What I would like to include is a comparison with women in other participants in the war. Although it has been said that the book is talking about Britain, I think there would be even more powerful if we could make a comparison.
April 8, 2018
It was a little draggy at first but I ended up really appreciating how the author breaks down the different jobs and organizes each chapter in an easy to follow way. I thought she did a great job really parsing the information so it was interesting and informative.
May 23, 2018
Loved it!!
May 21, 2023
Filled with well researched material, from all walks of life, this book looks at the way women served in a war that is mainly remembered for its horrors and its men.
December 10, 2016
We Also Served: The Forgotten Women of the First World War is a non-fiction book.
Filled with well researched material, from all walks of life it looks at the way women featured in a war which is mainly remembered for its horrors and its men.
Did you know that the government propaganda effort to get men to sign up focused on women? Not only encouraging the "white feather" brigade but printing posters that implied that mothers, wives and sweet hearts were all fully behind the government call ups. They used them to shame men to sign up before conscription was brought in. Once the men were gone, women were encouraged to support them knitting desperately needed socks and other items too.
But many women also wanted to be useful and volunteered as nurses, yet there was a reluctance to accept anyone not seen as a "qualified" nurse and many women drummed up financial support them-selves and headed to the front with ambulances, supplies and determination.
Oversees women nurses were eventually called for when it became obvious the war was going to last much longer than expected, they came from particularly from Canada and Australia, many funding their own transport, uniform and travel.
I was fascinated to learn about the hospital trains and barges used to transport the injured men. And the horrific conditions the nurses had to work in. Then there were the home front women, those who worked in factories in dangerous jobs handling explosives and being exposed to chemicals which later caused them ill-health and even death.
This book is a tribute to the women who were proud to take up their own form of "arms" and serve their country, few received medals or recognition for their work and there was no pension or compensation or even job prospects at the end. I think the author did a great job of giving a voice to these war heroines.
Filled with well researched material, from all walks of life it looks at the way women featured in a war which is mainly remembered for its horrors and its men.
Did you know that the government propaganda effort to get men to sign up focused on women? Not only encouraging the "white feather" brigade but printing posters that implied that mothers, wives and sweet hearts were all fully behind the government call ups. They used them to shame men to sign up before conscription was brought in. Once the men were gone, women were encouraged to support them knitting desperately needed socks and other items too.
But many women also wanted to be useful and volunteered as nurses, yet there was a reluctance to accept anyone not seen as a "qualified" nurse and many women drummed up financial support them-selves and headed to the front with ambulances, supplies and determination.
Oversees women nurses were eventually called for when it became obvious the war was going to last much longer than expected, they came from particularly from Canada and Australia, many funding their own transport, uniform and travel.
I was fascinated to learn about the hospital trains and barges used to transport the injured men. And the horrific conditions the nurses had to work in. Then there were the home front women, those who worked in factories in dangerous jobs handling explosives and being exposed to chemicals which later caused them ill-health and even death.
This book is a tribute to the women who were proud to take up their own form of "arms" and serve their country, few received medals or recognition for their work and there was no pension or compensation or even job prospects at the end. I think the author did a great job of giving a voice to these war heroines.
October 20, 2016
We Also Served: The Forgotten Women of the First World War by Vivien Newman is an interesting historical book that examines women’s important roles during the Great War. Newman talks about the variety of ways that women served – from completing knitting projects to working in the Women’s Royal Navy Service – and the author delves into the specific stories of many of these women. The chapter on how the women were recruited was particularly intriguing. Newman writes in a thorough manner, mentioning facts and dates in detail, and the book includes an extensive bibliography. Additionally, We Also Served features eight pages of relevant black-and-white photographs.
*I received a copy for review*
*I received a copy for review*
April 25, 2015
Brilliantly written - too little is known about the women who served in the war so this is a real insight into women's history. definitely worth a read!
August 17, 2015
A good cursory look at the many different ways women served in WWI. Newman blends together first-hand accounts of service, paying attention to the class differences and tensions.
January 8, 2016
Some stories I had read before but lots of new information about how women played a major but largely hidden role in World War 1 in the UK
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews