Katharine Bentley Collection

Interrogation of Aircrews; W. A. A. F. Help In This Work, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Interrogation of Aircrews; W.A.A.F. Help In This Work, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Physical Training at a Recruits Depot, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Physical Training at a Recruits Depot, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Operations Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Operations Room, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Nursing Orderly, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Nursing Orderly, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

W. A. A. F. Band on Parade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
W.A.A.F. Band on Parade, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

M. T. Driver, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
M.T. Driver, c1943. MT (motor transport) driver. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

A Station Intelligence Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
A Station Intelligence Room, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

R. A. F. Sergeant Drills Airwomen, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
R.A.F. Sergeant Drills Airwomen, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

H. R. H. The Duchess of Gloucester, Air Commandant, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
H.R.H. The Duchess of Gloucester, Air Commandant, c1943. Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester(1901-2004) was appointed Senior Controller of the Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF) in 1939

Off Duty, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Off Duty, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Parachute Packers, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Parachute Packers, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

W. A. A. F. Officers at Their School of Instruction, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
W.A.A.F. Officers at Their School of Instruction, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Bomber Crews, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Bomber Crews, c1943. British Royal Air Force crews preparing to go on a bombing mission during World War II. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

At A Balloon Centre, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
At A Balloon Centre, c1943. Barrage balloons were used to defend against attack by enemy aircraft. They were raised aloft on cables to create a risk of collision

Spitfire, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Spitfire, c1943. The iconic British Second World War fighter was designed by Reginald Mitchell. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine

Between Fights, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Between Fights, c1943. British Royal Air Force pilots relaxing between missions during World War II. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

On Signals Duty, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
On Signals Duty, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Night Fighters, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Night Fighters, c1943. British Royal Air Force pilots waiting to go on a mission during World War II. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

Balloon Fabric Workers, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Balloon Fabric Workers, c1943. WaFs making barrage balloons. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Crews and Ground Staff, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Crews and Ground Staff, c1943. British Royal Air Force mechanics preparing aircraft before a bombing mission during World War II

Summer Day, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Summer Day, c1943. WaFs relaxing. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Balloon Operator, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Balloon Operator, c1943. Woman in waterproofs operating a barrage balloon. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

W. A. A. F. Officer Lectures, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
W.A.A.F. Officer Lectures, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Flight Mechanics; Also a W. A. A. F. Trade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Flight Mechanics; Also a W.A.A.F. Trade, c1943. British Royal Air Force mechanics working on aircraft during World War II

Corporal and Cadet, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Corporal and Cadet, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

An Examination Will Follow, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
An Examination Will Follow, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Code and Cypher Officer, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Code and Cypher Officer, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Getting Ready for the Raid, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Getting Ready for the Raid, c1943. Bombs being prepared for an RAF raid over Germany during World War Two. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman

In The Reading Room, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
In The Reading Room, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Watching the Battle, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Watching the Battle, c1943. WaF watching a dogfight between RAF and German air force planes. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs

Cadets on the March, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Cadets on the March, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

P. T. Instructor, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
P.T. Instructor, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II

Repairing Barrage Balloons, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Repairing Barrage Balloons, c1943. Barrage balloons were used to defend against attack by enemy aircraft. They were raised aloft on cables to create a risk of collision

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"Katharine Bentley: A Woman of Many Roles in the W. A. A. F. During World War II" Step into the world of Katharine Bentley, a remarkable woman who played numerous vital roles within the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (W. A. A. F. ) during the height of World War II. Through captivating photographs captured by Cecil Beaton, we catch glimpses of her diverse responsibilities and unwavering dedication. In one frame, we witness Katharine's involvement in the interrogation of aircrews - a crucial task that demanded sharp intellect and attention to detail. Her contribution to intelligence gathering was invaluable as she helped ensure the safety and success of RAF operations. But Katharine's talents extended beyond interrogations. In another snapshot, she can be seen participating in physical training at a recruits depot. With determination etched on her face, she embodies strength and resilience - qualities necessary for women serving their country during wartime. The Operations Room becomes her domain in yet another photograph; surrounded by maps and communication devices, Katharine skillfully coordinates information flow with precision and efficiency. Her calm demeanor belies the immense responsibility resting on her shoulders as she aids in guiding aircraft safely through enemy skies. Not limited to administrative duties alone, Katharine also takes up nursing orderly tasks with compassion and care. Amidst chaos and uncertainty, she provides solace to wounded soldiers while displaying unwavering resolve even amidst adversity. Music fills the air as we glimpse Katharine marching proudly alongside fellow members of the W. A. A. F Band on Parade – an embodiment of camaraderie forged through shared experiences and hardships endured together. Ever versatile, our heroine dons different uniforms throughout these photographs - from an M. T Driver maneuvering vehicles with finesse to being part of a station intelligence room where critical decisions are made daily under intense pressure. Even royalty recognizes her worth; H. R. H The Duchess of Gloucester acknowledges Katharine's contributions by appointing her as Air Commandant.