Sandra Westgate is a new character we meet in the sixth episode of Masters of the Air. Let's take a look at what her role was in the military and whether Sandra Westgate from Masters of the Air is a real historical person. Plus, meet the actor who plays her on the show.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for Masters of the Air episode 6, so proceed with caution.
Who Is Sandra Westgate in Masters of the Air?
The introduction of Sandra Westgate (played by Bel Powley) adds a light-hearted moment for Major Harry Crosby (played by Anthony Boyle), who is still reeling from the loss of his best friend, Bubbles Payne (played by Louis Greatorex).
Spending a week at Oxford, Harry is told that his roommate is a subaltern. Unfortunately, he struggles to pronounce the word properly, which he has to repeat several times.
When he finally meets Sandra, he already knows how to pronounce her job title correctly.
The two become close as Sandra comforts him over his struggle to accept Bubbles' death. It also gives Harry a chance to step away from Thorpe Abbotts, even just for a few days.
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What Does a Subaltern Do in the Military?
In the show, Sandra doesn't disclose what her job is. But we learned that a subaltern is part of the British Army with a rank below a captain's.
This is comparable to the US Army, which calls this role a First or Second Lieutenant. Basically, subalterns are junior officers.
During the war, women who served in the British Auxiliary Territorial Service were given a subaltern or second subaltern rank. The regular military ranks were later adapted for women in the 1950s.
So, what do subalterns do? They were significant individuals who had various jobs within the British Army.
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Is Sandra Westgate a Real Person?
Unfortunately, there was no woman with the name Sandra Westgate during the war.
As such, the show created the character, which was inspired by the real women who were part of the ATS (previously the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps).
This branch of the British Army was only filled out by women. They were not given dangerous jobs like the men in the British Army. Instead, they had vital roles in communication, research, and transportation.
Who Is Bel Powley, the Actress Who Portrays Sandra Westgate in Masters of the Air?
Born Isobel Dorothy Powley, the English actress, Bel Powley, was born in London.
She started acting on TV when she was a teenager. Her first shows included M.I. High, Little Dorrit, Murderland, and Benidorm.
As of writing, Powley is 31 years old. You may follow her on Instagram.
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