International Women’s Day at The Battle of Britain Bunker

International Women’s Day at The Battle of Britain Bunker

Join us at the Battle of Britain Bunker to celebrate International Women’s Day, with special tours, talks, stalls and musical performances.

Talk: Dr. Sarah Louise Miller – ‘Wargame Women’ [11:30] 

During the Second World War, around 800 women worked at Western Approaches. They worked under conditions of absolute secrecy, a hidden but vital component in Allied naval operations. Members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Women’s Royal Naval Service worked tirelessly in the nerve centre of the Battle of the Atlantic, monitoring Allied convoy routes and shipping, protecting precious supplies and lives. In this talk, Dr Sarah Louise Miller will focus on the Women’s Royal Naval Service at Western Approaches.

Tour: ‘The Women of the Battle of Britain’ [13:00] 

The WAAF were a valuable part of the war effort and were at the heart of the nation’s defence during the Battle of Britain. The Battle was not just won in the skies alone: behind the the brave pilots were women who, through intelligence and guiding and support on the ground, would contribute to victory. As part of The Bunker’s celebrations for International Women’s Day, a special tour will take place showcasing these courageous women. The tour will explore the role the WAAF played as part of the air defence system: as Plotters, Tellers and Radar Operators. Also explored will be the social and emotional dimensions to being a WAAF through the personal testimonies of these remarkable women. 

Panel Discussion: Women in Heritage [14:30]

Women in Heritage brings together inspiring women who are leading, shaping, and re-imagining the heritage sector today. Drawing on diverse roles and lived experience, the panel will explore leadership, visibility, and influence within heritage practice, while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities women encounter in the field. The discussion will celebrate women’s contributions to heritage and consider pathways toward a more inclusive and representative future.

Questions for the panel can be submitted in advance here: Panel Discussion: Women in Heritage  – Fill in form

Schedule:

All day:  Stalls exploring military history, local women in history and women in the heritage sector and STEM [ Visitor Centre]

All day:  Crafts and Trails for all the family [Visitor Centre]

All day: Second World War Bunker Object handling sessions [Visitor Centre]

10:00 – Bunker guided tour [Bunker]

11:30 – Bunker guided tour [Bunker]

11:30 –  Dr. Sarah Louise Miller – ‘Wargame Women’ [Auditorium]

13:00 – ‘Women of the Battle of Britain’ Tour  [Bunker]

14:30 – Panel Discussion: Women in Heritage [Auditorium]

14:30 – Bunker Guided Tour [Bunker]

15:30 – Military Choir [Visitor Centre]