Defending Britain’s Skies: Audrey Cornall
Born in 1925, Audrey Cornall came into the world at a time when women’s roles in society were largely confined to traditional expectations. However, by the time she reached adulthood, Britain was at war, and those expectations were rapidly changing.
In 1943, just one day after her 18th birthday, Audrey made the courageous decision to sign up to defend Britain’s skies as a Gunner Girl—also known as an Ack Ack Girl—in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).
This position for women had only been introduced in 1941, marking a significant shift in military roles. As part of the Royal Artillery’s mixed batteries (units where women and men served together), the Gunner Girls took over key roles previously performed by men, allowing more soldiers to be deployed elsewhere. Despite their critical role in the war effort, government policy at the time prohibited women from firing the guns, citing the belief that it was inappropriate for “life givers to be life takers.”
Mastering the Science of War
Audrey trained as a predictor, a role that required rapid mathematical calculations to determine the exact position of enemy aircraft so that anti-aircraft guns could intercept incoming Luftwaffe bombers.
In an Ack Ack unit, teamwork was crucial:
In an Ack Ack unit, teamwork was crucial:
- Spotters identified and tracked enemy aircraft.
- Height and range operators determined the precise altitude and distance of the aircraft.
- Predictors, like Audrey, calculated both the forward movement of the aircraft and the timing needed for the shells to reach their target—a complex process that had to be executed in a matter of seconds.
Training for this highly specialised role took twenty weeks, and by the time the first mixed battery units were fully operational, the London Blitz had ended. However, Luftwaffe bombing raids on London and cities across Britain continued throughout the war, keeping Audrey and her fellow Gunner Girls in a constant state of vigilance.
Audrey’s Legacy
As one of the women pioneering military roles previously reserved for men, Audrey was part of a historic shift in gender roles in the armed forces. Though they were not permitted to fire the guns, the precision, speed, and teamwork of the Gunner Girls played a critical role in Britain’s wartime defence, marking a turning point for women in military service.
We are incredibly proud to share the story of a woman who, like so many of her generation, stepped forward in Britain’s darkest hours.
Next, we’ll be sharing the story of Jacqueline Dixon-Payne, a woman who joined the WRENS and worked in photographic intelligence before pursuing a career in fine art, earning recognition for her portraits of Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II.
Follow our blog and social media to read more incredible stories of the women of Foxholes.
This story was written by Jovana Benson, as part of our Women’s History Month series at Foxholes Care Home.
This story was written by Jovana Benson, as part of our Women’s History Month series at Foxholes Care Home.
