How Long Did Queen Elizabeth Serve in the Military?
Queen Elizabeth II is known for her remarkable reign, which spans over seven decades. Throughout her life, she has had a strong connection with the British military, and it’s no surprise that many people wonder how long she served in the military. In this article, we’ll delve into the queen’s military service, highlighting her early years, wartime experiences, and the duration of her service.
Early Years and Military Training
Born on April 21, 1926, Princess Elizabeth, as she was known at the time, began her military training at a young age. In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, Elizabeth was just 13 years old. Her uncle, King Edward VIII, was forced to abdicate the throne, and her father, King George VI, became the monarch. This led to Elizabeth’s parents making the decision to give her a more formal education and military training.
Elizabeth joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945, at the age of 18. The ATS was a branch of the British Army that was responsible for providing administrative and logistical support to the military. As a member of the ATS, Elizabeth learned to drive and repair military vehicles, skills that would serve her well in her future royal duties.
Wartime Experiences
Elizabeth’s military training was cut short when her father passed away on February 6, 1952, and she ascended to the throne. However, she had already gained valuable experience and insight into the workings of the military during her time in the ATS.
During World War II, Elizabeth’s family moved to Windsor Castle, which became the royal family’s main residence. The young princess would often visit military bases and hospitals, gaining firsthand experience of the impact of war on the troops and civilians.
Royal Naval Reserve and Honorary Appointments
In 1952, Elizabeth was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy, becoming the first female head of a British armed force. She held this position until 1953, when she was crowned Queen. As Commander-in-Chief, Elizabeth was responsible for overseeing the Royal Navy’s operations and making strategic decisions.
In addition to her role as Commander-in-Chief, Elizabeth was also appointed Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1953. She held this position until 2018, making her the longest-serving Honorary Air Commodore in RAF history.
Honorary Appointments and Support
Throughout her reign, Elizabeth has held numerous honorary appointments and supported the British military in various ways. Some of her notable honorary appointments include:
• Honorary Air Chief Marshal: Elizabeth was appointed Honorary Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force in 2012, a position she still holds today.
• Field Marshal: In 2014, Elizabeth was promoted to Field Marshal, becoming the first female Field Marshal in British history.
• Chief of the Naval Staff: Elizabeth has been Honorary Chief of the Naval Staff since 2011.
Duration of Military Service
So, how long did Queen Elizabeth serve in the military? The answer is complex, as she has held various honorary appointments and roles throughout her reign. However, here is a breakdown of her military service:
• Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS): Elizabeth served in the ATS from 1945 to 1949, for a total of four years.
• Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy: Elizabeth held this position from 1952 to 1953, for a total of one year.
• Honorary Appointments: Elizabeth has held numerous honorary appointments throughout her reign, including Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Air Force, Honorary Air Chief Marshal, and Chief of the Naval Staff. These appointments are for life, unless she relinquishes them.
Table: Queen Elizabeth’s Military Service
| Military Branch | Duration | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) | 1945-1949 | Member |
| Royal Navy | 1952-1953 | Commander-in-Chief |
| Royal Air Force | 1953-present | Honorary Air Commodore (later Honorary Air Chief Marshal) |
| Royal Navy | 2011-present | Honorary Chief of the Naval Staff |
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth II has had a long and distinguished military career, spanning over seven decades. From her early years in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service to her current honorary appointments, Elizabeth has consistently shown her support and appreciation for the British military. Her dedication and commitment to the military have earned her a unique place in British history, and her reign will be remembered for generations to come.
