This Day in History: Emma Didlake, WWII veteran

Didlake was nearly 40 years old when she joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (“WAAC”) during World War II. She was married to a coal miner and had five kids, but she was determined to serve her country, nonetheless.
The women of the WAAC were to serve in Army support positions, thus freeing up more men for combat. While the Army initially limited the duties they were allowed to perform, the women served so well that the Army expanded the scope of the program.
Maybe you won’t be surprised to hear that, by the end of the war, these determined women were even able to serve in specialist positions such as cryptographers.
As for Didlake, her role in the Army kept her stateside. She served as a private and a driver, reportedly carrying a Bible with her while she worked. She served for seven months before receiving an honorable discharge.