Princess Elizabeth in ATS Uniform, 1944–45 Figurine- W. Britain Miniatures

In February 1945, Princess Elizabeth was appointed an honorary second subaltern in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and given the rank of Honorary Junior Commander by the war’s end (female equivalent of Captain at the time). The ATS was formed in 1938 as a women’s voluntary service and became the Army’s official women’s branch during the war. Elizabeth wore the regulation army uniform and was treated like the rest of her company. She trained and worked as a lorry and ambulance driver and was taught map reading to service and maintain a fleet of vehicles. Her most important lesson came from interacting with a diverse range of people. It gave her a practical acumen and appreciation of the citizens over whom she would one day be asked to reign.

Since 1893, W. Britain has produced toy soldiers and military miniatures with attention to detail, quality, and authenticity. Each model figure is cast out of metal and hand-painted to the highest possible standards.