International Women’s Day at The Battle of Britain Bunker

International Women’s Day at The Battle of Britain Bunker

Stalls [All Day – Visitor Centre]

A variety of stalls in the exploring military history, local women in history and women in the heritage sector and STEM. Includes conservation workshops and Bunker collection handling exhibits (11:00-15:00). Stalls from local community groups such as the Royal British Legion and the Girl Guides.

Family Crafts and Women at the Bunker Trail [All Day – Visitor Centre] 

Fun for all the family with children’s crafts, games, and trail around the Museum exploring women’s history at the Bunker. Free for Under 16s.

Talk: Rachael Andrews – ‘Nursing on the Western Front’ [11:00 – Auditorium – Free]   

The First World War redefined the role of military nursing, drawing the women who undertook this work into the forward medical facilities of the Western Front. Through the diaries of those who served, this talk will discuss their lives, work, and survival framed by a sense of duty, devotion and humour.

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

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.

Talk: Dilip Sarkar MBE – ‘The Hidden History of Women at War’ [12:30 – Auditorium] 

Dilip Sarkar MBE is a prolific author, globally recognised expert on the Battle of Britain, Honorary Vice-President of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, and has spent a lifetime researching every aspect of the critical aerial conflict of summer 1940. This fascinating talk will discuss the hidden history of the WAAF during the Battle of Britain and three causalities sustained during that intense summer highlighting women’s front-line role:

Special Tour: ‘The Women of the Battle of Britain’ [13:30 – Bunker] 

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 – Auditorium]

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

Music: Naomi Cook 1940’s Favourites [15:30 – Visitor Centre] 

Singer-songwriter Naomi Cook performs of renditions of forties favourites.

Bunker Tours [10:00, 11:30, 14:30 – Bunker] 

Explore the fascinating history of the building at the heart of the Battle of Britain on an expert guided tour.

** DAY PACKAGE TICKETS AVAILABLE**

Available from just £15, Day Package tickets include:

• Access to either the 10:00 Bunker tour, or the one-off 13:30 Women of the Battle of Britain Tour
• Admission to all Talks
• Admission to Panel Discussion
• Access to all stalls, workshops, crafts, trails and music in Visitor Centre.