AN ARMED Forces charity is celebrating 100 years since women were legally permitted to serve in the British military.

This month marks the centenary of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, the first time women were formally enrolled in the UK Armed Forces.

To mark the anniversary and 100 years’ worth of contribution, SSAFA commissioned renowned war photographer Robert Wilson to create an image of currently serving women and veterans from the British Armed Forces.

This includes Major General Susan Ridge, who joined the Army in 1992, and was the only female in her battalion.

She is the Army’s highest ranking female officer and is still serving as director of general army legal service.

Over the past 100 years British females have served alongside men in almost 50 wars and conflicts, including the First and Second World War, the Falkland’s War, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Double Olympic rowing champion, Heather Stanning, a Major in the Royal Artillery, said: “The rate of evolution for women in our Armed Forces is phenomenal. It is remarkable to compare the types of jobs women did in 1917 with what they do now.

“I am honoured to join SSAFA, and as one of the oldest military charities, it was there for the first woman who signed-up and will continue to be there for women in the future.”

The twelve women photographed include the first woman to kill in combat, the first transgender woman to serve, and a 95-year-old veteran who served in World War Two.

Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive, SSAFA, said: “We must take a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate their contribution as this milestone approaches.

"It is essential that we continue to promote inclusivity and diversity throughout our Armed Forces in order to benefit from the talent that exists across British society.”