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The life-sized statue of a seated Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) girl wearing a basic khaki uniform was unveiled in 2006 as a memorial to the role played by women in World War II. It is the work of sculptor Andy De Comyn and consists of a cementitous render over a reinforced concrete core; the appearance is similar to limestone but it is better-able to withstand the effects of weathering and acid rain. Behind, is the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness Link .

Made up of volunteers, who undertook six weeks of basic training, the Women's ATS was officially launched in September 1938 and after the outbreak of war, a year later, 300 ATS members were sent to France.

As more men were sent to the front lines, the ATS membership rapidly increased; by December 1939 there were 23900 women aged between 19 and 23 years old in the service, with numbers peaking at 212500 in 1942.

During this time women, who were not allowed to fight in battle, served as office, mess and telephone orderlies, drivers, postal workers and ammunition inspectors. Their roles extended to include radar operators, military police, gun crews and many other operational support tasks.

During hostilities, 335 members of the ATS were killed, 94 reported missing, 202 wounded and 20 became prisoners of war (POWs).

In 1949, the ATS was disbanded and the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) was formed.

Link BBC News