WRAC Trailblazers: Roxanne Lawton
For decades, the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) was the main route for women into the British Army. Their motto — “Gentle in Manner, Resolute in Deed” — reflected their professionalism, but their service demanded far more. From Cold War frontlines to Northern Ireland and the Gulf, these women helped keep armies moving and intelligence flowing. Yet, their contributions are often overlooked.
In this episode, we hear from Roxanne Lawton, who grew up in Guyana before moving to Britain and joining the WRAC at just 17. Looking for adventure and a chance to prove her courage, she imagined an action-packed Army career — but instead found herself training as a stewardess at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.
Roxanne quickly proved herself, rising through the ranks. Her service brought some extraordinary opportunities, from duties involving Queen Elizabeth II to working at Windsor Castle for Prince Charles’ champagne breakfast. But her story also reveals a more difficult side of Army life. Roxanne speaks openly about racism, loneliness and the challenges of being a young Black woman finding her place within the military.
Above all, this is the story of a woman who found confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging in the Army — only to have the career she loved cut short by the expectations placed on married women at the time.
This podcast is part of the WRAC Trailblazers project, an oral history series capturing the stories of women who paved the way for today’s female soldiers. It has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
\t•\tPodcast Producer: Georgina Close-Smith
\t•\tExecutive Producer: Kate Haddock
\t•\tMusic & Audio: Iain Kitching, Tim Laulik-Walters & James Morden
\t•\tSpecial Thanks: Roxanne Lawton for sharing her story
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