WRAC Trailblazers: Julia M Crockett

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 Julia Crockett, who joined the WRAC at 17 and went on to serve the nation in the intelligence corps at GCHQ. Julia shares her journey—serving in West Germany and then GCHQ — her work involved intense mapping and monitoring of foreign forces and she left the WRAC a changed woman, to serve in the Metropolitan Police. Her story is one of resilience and determination in some of the most personally challenging situations.

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.

• Podcast Producer: Emilie Stewart
• Executive Producer: Kate Haddock
• Music: Iain Kitching, Tim Laulik-Walters & Pond5
• Special Thanks: Julia M Crockett for sharing her story

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