Abstract

The First World War was a national event with local implications. As in other major towns, Cambridge residents provided hospital care for the wounded, suffered chronic privation and witnessed women successfully carrying out jobs usually reserved for men. As one of the earliest universities to offer education for women, Cambridge was also the source of some extraordinary female scientists, doctors and engineers who helped to ensure victory. Confronting danger, prejudice and disease, they took responsibility in factories, laboratories and hospitals, both at home and overseas. After the Armistice, as returning soldiers reclaimed their positions, the old stereotypes returned and women were squeezed out once again. But Britain had changed forever: now the country knew that women were fully capable of taking over work traditionally performed by men.