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Queen Elizabeth II has died. Did you know she was a truck driver and diesel mechanic during World War II

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Queen Elizabeth II has died. While tributes from all over the world are pouring in for this wonderful lady, perhaps the words of former US President Barack Obama embrace it all. He said in a statement yesterday that the Queen had “captivated the world” and that “her time on the throne was defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic. She served as a beacon of hope and stability for the people of the United Kingdom and the world.”

While many may picture her in grand robes occupying a throne, for those in the trucking industry who didn’t know it, she was also prepared to get her hands dirty as a diesel mechanic. It was during World War II that, after turning 18, she became the first female member of the royal family to join the armed services as a full-time serving member and spent five months with the Auxiliary Territorial Service where she learned basic motor mechanic and driving skills. She also had fitter & turner engineering experience. And yes, she was a truck driver as well during World War II.

All this experience came in handy when, during a Royal visit to North Africa, the Landrover on which they were travelling broke down on a game drive. It was Elizabeth (not yet Queen then) who climbed down, lifted the bonnet and got stuck in getting her hands dirty fixing the engine.

May you Rest-in-Peace great Lady.

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