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Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan was a botanist and mycologist who became Controller of the Women鈥檚 Army Auxiliary Corps and commandant of the Women鈥檚 Royal Air Force.

At the outbreak of war Helen Gwynne-Vaughan stated that she wanted to work in a mobile hospital on a 鈥渞eally dangerous front鈥�. Instead, in 1917, she was asked to become head of the newly-formed WAACs, in France.

She was described as an inspiring and formidable person and an extraordinary leader.

In 1918, Helen was asked to become head of the women鈥檚 Royal Air Force and stayed in the role until 1919; when the service was disbanded.

After the war, Helen returned to Birkbeck where she became the first female professor. She was made a Dame in 1919, and died in 1967.

Location: Birkbeck, University of London WC1E 7HX
Image: Portrait of Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan, courtesy of IWM