First UK female front line soldier used to be called Ben - transgender Chloe makes history
BRITAIN’S first female infantry soldier has made history – because she was born as a boy.
Chloe Allen will be the first woman in the British army to serve a front-line role
Transgender Guardsman Chloe Allen, 24, joined the first Battalion, Scots Guards four years ago as Ben Allen.
But she was given the “kick up the a**e” to transition after a fellow royal guard found her dressed as a woman before she was set to guard a royal palace.
After worrying about how fellow guardsmen at her barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, would react, she was overcome with relief at her comrades’ reactions.
Chloe, of Cumbria, said: “I went down to muster parade in the morning for PT and it was just mainly banter, just having a laugh.
Chloe is in the first Battalion of the fearsome Scots Guards
“The whole sort of worry that I had, I shouldn’t have even worried.
“The entire battalion’s been brilliant.
“If it hadn’t happened I’d still be living a lie now. It was a blessing in disguise — the kick up the a**e I needed to get on and deal with it.”
Poles remember Battle of Warsaw victory over Red Army
If it hadn’t happened I’d still be living a lie now
After coming out to her friends and family, Chloe – who officially changed her name last month – informed her boss she wanted to live as a woman.
She said: “It was just like talking to my boss about work.
“It wasn’t really anything out of the ordinary really — he is a very open person.
“I’ve started hormones in the last month. Everything’s changed now.
General Sir James Everard, Commander of the Field Army, said: “I’m delighted to have our first woman serving in a Ground Close Combat unit.
“The British Army is proving itself as an inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive.
“Being the first of anything takes courage. I applaud Guardsman Chloe Allen for being a trendsetter and wish her every success.”