The Women of World War II Monument, Whitehall, London

A Bold Tribute to Women's Wartime Contributions

The Women of World War II Monument stands prominently on Whitehall, London, near the Cenotaph and Downing Street. Unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2005 on the 60th anniversary of VE Day, this bronze sculpture honors the indispensable roles played by over seven million British women during the Second World War. Rising nearly 7 metres tall, the monument’s design resembles a coat rack with 17 different sculpted uniforms and helmets hanging from pegs around its sides, symbolizing the wide range of jobs women undertook—from the Auxiliary Territorial Service and Women’s Royal Naval Service to munitions workers, air raid wardens, and land girls.

Historical Context and Symbolism

The memorial reflects Winston Churchill’s rallying call: “Let the Women Come Forward,” recognizing how women left their domestic lives to fill crucial roles in the war effort. While many women served in uniformed military branches, millions more worked in factories, farms, hospitals, and civil defense. The monument’s black bronze and imposing rectangular form echo the nearby Cenotaph, creating a deliberate visual dialogue that asserts women’s equal importance in wartime sacrifice and service. The gold lettering on the monument mimics the font used in wartime ration books, adding a poignant detail that connects the sculpture to everyday life during the war.

Design and Artistic Significance

Created by British sculptor John W. Mills, the monument is one of his most prestigious national works. Measuring approximately 7 metres high, 16 feet in length, and weighing 23 tons, it commands attention in Whitehall’s ceremonial landscape. The 17 uniforms sculpted on the monument represent a broad spectrum of women’s wartime roles, including nurses, police officers, welders, and members of the Women’s Land Army. The design balances a modern aesthetic with historical reverence, using bronze to create a somber yet powerful tribute that contrasts with more traditional memorials nearby.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

This monument is the first national memorial in the UK dedicated solely to women’s contributions during World War II. It was funded through public subscription and charitable efforts, including notable fundraising by Baroness Boothroyd, who helped raise funds on a celebrity game show. The unveiling ceremony was marked by a flypast of military helicopters flown by all-female crews, underscoring the monument’s celebration of women’s service. The memorial serves as a reminder of the often overlooked sacrifices and achievements of women, many of whom returned to domestic roles after the war despite their vital contributions.

Location and Visitor Experience

Situated in the center of Whitehall’s roadway, the monument is accessible for viewing without crossing the street, allowing visitors to observe the detailed sculpted uniforms closely. Its location near key government buildings and the Cenotaph places it at the heart of London’s commemorative landscape. The monument invites reflection on the social changes prompted by the war and the enduring legacy of women’s courage and resilience.

Continuing Recognition and Reflection

While the monument does not feature statues of women themselves, its creative concept of displaying the hung uniforms symbolizes the women who served and the roles they left behind after the war. It stands as a call to remember and honor the generation of women whose wartime efforts shaped modern Britain. The memorial continues to inspire awareness and dialogue about gender, history, and national memory.