Karen Hermiston
Sergeant Karen Hermiston was the first (and only) female photographer in the Canadian Army during the Second World War.
Englehart, Ontario
Second World War
Biography
The Canadian Army Film and Photo Unit was established in 1941 to record our country's involvement in the Second World War.
The unit was made up of people familiar with photography and filmmaking. They were a unique bunch, with backgrounds ranging from movie directors to Hollywood stuntmen! Standing out in this group, however, was one female photographer. Against great odds, she eventually found a place in a field traditionally filled by men. Her name was Sergeant Karen Hermiston, and she was the first (and only) female photographer in the Canadian Army during the war.
"Hermie," as she was known, spent more than four years in uniform snapping pictures of her fellow Canadian Women's Army Corps members. During that time she also gradually took on additional assignments like those done by the male photographers.
Whatever it would take to find the right angle, this trailblazer's shots were picture perfect.
Where they participated
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