The Queen trained as a mechanic while a teenager during World War II. These photos show how she served her country.

Zoë EttingerApr 21, 2020, 19:35 IST

Princess Elizabeth learning car maintenance in 1945.Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images

When World War II began in 1939, her majesty was just 13 years old, and was known as Princess Elizabeth.
The Queen Mother refused to leave the UK, and the family stayed and supported their country, even as their home, Buckingham Palace, was bombed repeatedly.
When she turned 18, at her own insistence, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained as a truck driver and mechanic.
Now 94, she remains the only woman in the royal family to have served in the military.
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World War II began when the Queen was just teenager. Back then, her mother, also named Elizabeth, was known as the Queen consort and the Queen was Princess Elizabeth.

Though many urged the Queen consort to evacuate her children, Elizabeth and Margaret, to Canada, she refused. "The children won't go without me. I won't leave without the King. And the King will never leave," she said.

The family, like their country, endured hardship. Buckingham Palace was reportedly bombed nine times throughout the war. One of the worst bombings was in 1940, and happened while King George VI and his wife were in residence.

When Princess Elizabeth turned 18 in 1944, she insisted upon joining the Army, where she trained as a truck driver and mechanic. She remains the only female member of the royal family to have served in the Army.

Take a look at the photos of a young Princess Elizabeth as she served her country.

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May 8, 1945, became Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, and was celebrated by the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for V-E Day. Central Press/Getty Images

Following the war, she often appeared in her military uniform, adorned with medals, as pictured below.

Colonel Princess Elizabeth in uniform with her World War II medals. PA Images via Getty Images

When the war ended, she reportedly snuck away from her family to party with commoners.

The future queen in her uniform in 1945. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

By 1945, the princess had risen to the rank of junior commander, according to the Royal Collection Trust.

Princess Elizabeth as a junior commander in the ATS in 1945. NCJ Archive/Mirrorpix via Getty Images

The women of the ATS took over many traditionally male jobs during the war, like making batteries and finding enemy aircraft, according to the BBC.

Princess Elizabeth training as an ATS mechanic in 1945. Popperfoto/Getty Images

"One of her major joys was to get dirt under her nails and grease stains in her hands, and display these signs of labor to her friends," a 1947 magazine article said.

Princess Elizabeth training as an ATS mechanic in 1945. Popperfoto/Getty Images

She also learned how to change a wheel and deconstruct and rebuild engines.

Princess Elizabeth driving an ambulance during her wartime service in 1945. Popperfoto/Getty Images

The princess learned how to drive large trucks, like the ambulance pictured below, during her ATS service.

Princess Elizabeth driving an ambulance during her wartime service in 1945. Bryn Colton/Getty Images

Though Princess Elizabeth did not serve in a combat role, volunteering with the ATS was not without risk, according to the BBC.

Princess Elizabeth near an Auxiliary Territorial Service first aid truck in 1945. Keystone:Getty Images

Her mother visited the princess during her time in the ATS, according to Stars and Stripes.

Princess Elizabeth and her mother in 1945. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

King George was initially against the idea of his daughter joining the war effort, but she convinced him otherwise, according to Stars and Stripes.

Princess Elizabeth learning car maintenance in 1945. Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images

The princess registered for war service when she was just 16 under the Ministry of Labour's Youth Registration Scheme.

Princess Elizabeth registering for war service when she was just 16 in 1942. Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The family's presence in England throughout the war put them in high public regard.

Princess Elizabeth and Margaret aboard a converted motor torpedo boat used by the Sea Rangers in 1944. Popperfoto via Getty Images

In 1940, Princess Elizabeth and Margaret made a broadcast to the children of the United Kingdom.

Princess Elizabeth and Margaret making a broadcast in 1940. Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

When the war began, Princess Elizabeth was just 13 years old, and her sister Margaret was only 8.

Princess Elizabeth (center) with her sister Margaret and the Queen Mother in 1940. Popperfoto/Getty Images

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