The Military Wives Medal

Over the last two years we have produced the Military Wives Medal in recognition to what they have done over the years. Some of us had bad experiences been married during or military careers but that a personal matter and it should not detract from the job they did as a military wife. Like all our Regiments and Corps they too have a very proud history.

The history of military wives from the 1800s through the era of the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) reflects the evolving roles, challenges, and contributions of women within military communities. Over this period, the experiences of military wives were shaped by societal norms, military policies, and the geopolitical contexts of their time.

1800s: The Early 19th Century

1. Camp Followers and Practical Support

• During the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), military wives were often part of the “camp followers” who accompanied soldiers on campaign. These women provided essential services such as cooking, nursing, and laundering.

• Only a limited number of wives were officially allowed to accompany their husbands on overseas deployments. These women were selected by lottery and faced harsh conditions, including disease, inadequate shelter, and the constant threat of violence.

2. Regulated Roles

• The British Army began formalizing the presence of wives in military life. Women were expected to adhere to strict moral codes, and their behavior often reflected on their husbands’ careers.

• Military wives who remained at home often lived in poverty, relying on minimal support from the Army while their husbands were deployed.

Mid-19th Century: Victorian Era

1. Institutionalization of Army Families

• The Victorian era saw a shift towards the institutionalization of Army families. Garrisons were established across the British Empire, and military housing began to emerge in colonies and at home.

• Wives in garrison towns played roles as caregivers and unofficial community leaders, maintaining morale among soldiers and families.

2. Challenges in Colonial Contexts

• Wives accompanying soldiers to colonial postings faced extreme isolation, disease, and cultural dislocation. They were expected to uphold British social norms, serving as symbols of “civilization.”

Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century

1. Boer War and Early 20th Century Conflicts

• The Boer War (1899–1902) marked a turning point, with increased attention to the needs of soldiers’ families. Welfare systems, though rudimentary, began to develop.

• The Army began recognizing the impact of soldiers’ families on operational efficiency. However, support systems remained limited, with wives often reliant on regimental charities or informal networks.

2. World War I (1914–1918)

• During World War I, military wives often stayed on the home front, managing households while their husbands served. They faced economic hardships, particularly when soldiers’ pay was insufficient or delayed.

• Organizations like the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) were established to provide some support.

World War II (1939–1945)

1. Separation and Resilience

• World War II saw a large-scale mobilization of soldiers, with many wives managing households and raising children alone for extended periods.

• Some women joined the workforce or volunteered in organizations like the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), contributing directly to the war effort.

2. Military Communities and Evacuation

• Military wives living near bases often formed tight-knit communities. They shared resources, supported each other, and contributed to maintaining morale among soldiers.

Post-War Period and the British Army of the Rhine (1945–1994)

1. Occupation and Stability

• After World War II, the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) was established in Germany as part of the Allied occupation and later as a NATO force during the Cold War.

• Military wives accompanying their husbands to Germany often lived in military-provided housing within garrison towns.

2. Social Life and Support Networks

• The BAOR years saw the development of more formalized support systems for Army families, including schools for children, medical services, and organized social events.

• Wives played significant roles in fostering community cohesion. Many became involved in voluntary work, contributing to welfare organizations and clubs.

3. Challenges in a Foreign Land

• Living in Germany presented unique challenges, such as language barriers and cultural differences. However, many wives adapted, forming connections with local German communities or engaging in expatriate circles.

4. Changing Roles and Recognition

• By the 1980s and 1990s, societal changes led to a reevaluation of the role of military wives. Women’s increasing participation in the workforce and changing attitudes towards gender roles began to influence military family life.

• The Army began implementing policies to address family welfare, recognizing the importance of stable family life for soldiers’ effectiveness.

Conclusion

From the 1800s to the BAOR era, military wives transitioned from being informal supporters of soldiers’ campaigns to integral members of military communities. Despite facing significant challenges—ranging from economic hardship to the stresses of deployment—they played crucial roles in maintaining the stability and morale of both soldiers and their families. By the end of the BAOR era, military wives were increasingly recognised for their contributions, and the Army had begun to address the unique needs of military families through more structured support systems.