Sergeant Karen Hermiston
She was petite, standing just 5'2" and slender. But what she lacked in size, Sergeant Karen Hermiston, or "Hermie" as people called her, made up in courage and determination, earning a place in Canadian history as the only official female photographer for the Armed Forces to work amidst combat during World War II.
Not much is known about Karen's upbringing. However, her early adult years coincided with Canada's entry into the war. Karen wanted to don the uniform and help her country. The times made that goal challenging, as few women were allowed into the ranks of military service.
Then, an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way came when the Canadian Women's Army Corps was established in 1941. Karen enlisted, willing to do anything needed, though her heart was in photography.
For Karen, the climb to taking more important roles in the military as a photographer was slow. People would often tell her, "there were some things a girl can't do." Karen ignored the comment and just did. Finally, the breakthrough came. She became the only female photographer out of 76. And then she was sent to Europe, where carrying her heavy camera equipment through muddy fields, war-torn villages, and active battle zones, Karen documented Canadian soldiers' efforts and daily lives.
Karen's work helped capture and communicate World War II and Canada's role. Though she would not rise to the same fame as other photographers, she became an inspirational figure for women during that time and for years after.
Sources:
Canada. Department of National Defence. Library and Archives Canada, PA-142294, https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/4679191346/ (no changes made)
"KAREN HERMISTON, Canadian Women’s Army Corps." Valour Canada, https://valourcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Karen-Hermiston-PDF.pdf
“Sergeant Karen Hermiston.” HMCS Haida National Historic Site, https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/haida/culture/femmes-women/hermiston