She contacted a military LGBTQ+ leader in 2020 to find out if she could be sanctioned for breaking army rules and was told she would not be. Until 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British army, Royal Navy and RAF – and Holmes feared she would still face repercussions for breaking that law during her time in the forces.

Holmes, 52, also revealed she struggled with her mental health because of having to hide her sexuality, and that she had to keep several same-sex relationships she had during her time in the Women’s Royal Army Corps secret, for fear of being court-martialled.