KS3 History - Dorothy Hughes: The girl who broke the rules

This film is from the series Our Greatest Generation available on BBC Teach.

The story of how Dorothy Hughes came to be one of the first female Chelsea Pensioners.

Dorothy came from a strict but comfortable home.

Like many women, Dorothy was attracted by the thought of contributing to the war effort during World War Two.

She defied her parents’ wishes for her to become a teacher and joined the army, becoming a gunner helping to shoot down German planes over London.

She experienced suspicion and hostility from male gunners before eventually being accepted as an equal.

Many years later, after her husband died, Dorothy decided to challenge another male institution, and applied to live at the world famous Royal Hospital Chelsea for retired British soldiers.

Teacher Notes

This short film could be used as part of an enquiry into the impact of World War Two on British society. Dorothy’s story could be used to help explore how far the war helped advance the role of women in Britain.

Pupils could examine why Dorothy’s parents were against her decision to join the army, before considering why more women were needed to support the war effort, and the reaction of some men to the introduction of women into roles which traditionally were carried out by men.

It might also be interesting to consider why women were not allowed to become Chelsea Pensioners until 2009.

Curriculum Notes

This short film will be relevant for teaching history at Key Stage 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and third and fourth level in Scotland.

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