There is no doubt that the contribution of women during World War I and World War II influenced the resulting outcomes. Their involvement was significant and continues to impact on present societal values. Up until the Second World War, their input was largely domestic, though none the less important. Many European countries developed roles, both military and non-military, which allowed women to participate. In the US, an Act of Congress agreed on four divisions of non-fighting duties for women. Posters advertising 'Free a Man to Fight' sought women who would become the soldiers without guns.
Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC)
This division was created to free men for combat duty. It allowed women to volunteer for duties in the army as part of an auxiliary unit. Previously only qualified nurses had been allowed to enlist. Later the unit would combine with the army to become the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). The creation of the WAAC was met with much cynicism, but the women volunteers soon developed a record of accomplishment and were valued for their good organizational skills and determination. Some of the roles they undertook included; mechanic, parachute rigger, cryptologist and clerks.
Women Appointed for Voluntary Emergency Services (WAVES)
The WAVES were an all women division of the US Navy. It was intended that the women would only serve during the ‘emergency’ of the war and their role would cease when it ended. The women, unlike those serving in the WAAC, were appointed as part of the Navy, with the same status and privileges of the men they served with. Whilst the main role of the WAVES was clerical, some women served in the aviation community, medical professions and communications.
Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS)
This small unit preceded the Women’s Air Force Pilots (WASPS). The squadron accepted women who held commercial flying licenses and had over 500 hours of flying experience. They were originally recruited to deliver training and light aircraft but this was extended to bombers and fighters
US Coast Guards Women’s Reserve (SPARS),
This unit took its acronym from the Coast Guards motto ‘Semper Paratus’ and its English translation ‘Always Ready’. Again, the women were recruited to stateside shore positions to free up the Coast Guards for combatant duties. Some of the women were recruited from the WAVES and would eventually be sent to serve in Alaska and Hawaii. Like in many of the other divisions, the women would undertake the traditional clerical roles but some would serve as radiomen, ship’s cooks and vehicle drivers.
Many of their male counterparts nor the general public did not greet the role of women in the Second World War with enthusiasm, but their contribution to the war effort is evident. Not only within the US, but throughout Europe, women took on roles traditionally delivered by men and served their countries during difficult and trying times.
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