Florence Simpson

Dame Florence Edith Victoria Simpson, DBE (née Way, formerly Leach; 9 October 1874 – 5 September 1956) was the senior female British Army officer during World War I and Controller-in-Chief, later President, of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps (formerly the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps).

Personal life

Florence Edith Victoria Way was born on 9 October 1874, the daughter of Colonel Wilfred FitzAlan Way and his wife, Henrietta Mary (née Ross).

Career

Women's Legion

Her career began in 1915 when she volunteered as a cook in the Women's Legion, an organisation founded by Lady Londonderry to provide "a capable and efficient body of women whose services could be offered to the state to take the place of men needed in the firing line or in other capacities". On 2 December 1916, she was reported to be visiting Officer's Clubs in France in her capacity as Controller of Cooks.

The Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps Old Comrades Association was established in December 1919 and Florence became the Association's President. The first issue of the Association's Gazette was published in July 1920.

She retired from the QMAAC in 1920.

Masonic affiliation

Florence Leach was a member of the Order of Women Freemasons (formerly the Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry). The Order of Women Freemasons is the largest female-only Masonic organisation in the United Kingdom, tracing its origins to 1908. Her Masonic affiliation placed her among a network of prominent women who combined military service, philanthropy, and Masonic membership in the early 20th century.

Honours

In 1919, Leach was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), the first Dame Commander of the Military Division of that order.

Legacy

Leach is remembered as the first woman to hold the rank of Major-General in the British Army and the first Dame Commander of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire. Her leadership of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps helped establish the role of women in the British military, paving the way for the formation of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1938 and later the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) in 1949.

The November 1925 issue of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps Old Comrades Association Gazette featured her portrait on its cover, recognising her ongoing service as President of the Association.