While husbands, fathers and sons went off to fight in mainland Europe it was the women who were often left behind, and they played a huge role in determining the fate of the two major conflicts.
Portsmouth was no exception where women were a key part of the army and Royal Navy functions.
In the photos below you can see some of the inspiring work carried out during the First World War between 1914 and 1918, and the Second World nearly three decades later.
Work undertaken included the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), The Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS) and The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY).
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1. Inspirational women of the world wars
ATS motor repairs in Portsmouth during the Second World War Photo: The News archive
2. Inspirational women of the world wars
WRNS were demobbed after just 20 months of service. Picture: National Museum of the Royal Navy Photo: The News archvie
3. Inspirational women of the world wars
Women and the Royal Navy. Picture: National Museum of the Royal Navy Photo: The News archive
4. Inspirational women of the world wars
W.A.A.F's and W.R.N.S. welcome the timely arrival of an emergency food van. (c) The News, War Series 2832 Photo: The News archive