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Need a Mechanic? Call the Queen

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Queen Elizabeth

It’s hard to remember when Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t a Queen, but it’s even more surprising to remember her as a mechanic. Because she was.


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At age 16, Queen Elizabeth, who at the time was simply Princess Elizabeth, was in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II and was spending her days training to be a truck driver and mechanic.

According to Mashable writer Chris Wild, No. 230873 (Queen Elizabeth’s service number) started her armed forces career as an honorary Second Subaltern. Within five months, Queen Elizabeth achieved the status of Junior Commander.

During training, Queen Elizabeth was tasked with taking apart and rebuilding engines, driving ambulances, and changing tires. Although her training and experience was comparable to her fellow soldiers, one thing, besides her position in the monarchy, was unique to her. It was to Windsor Castle where’d she retire to after a long day of work instead of staying at the camp.

According to History.com writer Jennie Cohen, “The queen remains the only female member of the royal family to have entered the armed forces and is the only living head of state who served in World War II.”

Cohen also recounts more surprising details about the Queen’s life.

When she married her husband on November 20, 1947, postwar recovery efforts were in full force. As such, her stunning wedding dress was paid for with ration coupons.

“With austerity measures still in effect, Elizabeth had to save up ration coupons to purchase the material for her wedding dress, an ivory satin gown designed by Norman Hartnell and encrusted with 10,000 white pearls,” Cohen reports.


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On June 13, 1981, a teenager fired six shots toward the Queen as she celebrated her birthday.

“Swiftly subdued by police, the teen would spend three years in a psychiatric prison. Elizabeth, meanwhile, merely calmed her startled horse and resume her procession,” according to Cohen.

News Source: Mashable, History