Ep 192: Lilian Bader and women of colour in World War Two

We're still on an airfield this week. But it's all about the woman wielding the tools, keeping the planes aloft. It's 1941 and Lilian Bader is one of the first women to qualify as an instrument repairer. Her Barbadian father had served in the Navy, her husband drove tanks, her son flew helicopters. Across the generations her family served across the forces, and gave back more than they received. Lilian not only broke barriers as a woman of colour, she campaigned to remember the contribution made from across the commonwealth. Her unit were the first women in the WAAF to be given overalls rather than wearing skirts. Overalls that hang on the Women of World War two memorial in Whitehall. The uniforms and clothes adopted by women to commemorate all those who served, military and civilian. Plaster wedding cakes, Pilots of the Caribbean and Who wants to be a millionaire? Plus Christmas trees, singing and an Easter egg. What's that you say Ben? BONG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices