Wwii’s female units

Where women could serve Britain and the US

women’s Auxiliary Air Force WAAF

Splitting out from the ATS where pilots had previously operated, this organisation brought those women under the wing of the RAF proper, but were still only civilian pilots transporting planes. Women in this unit, however, also worked on radar, communications and in plotting courses in the operation room.

women’s royal naval service WRNS

Another WWI service that was revived for WWII, the Wrens (as they were known) had their roles increased to now include flying transport planes. Its recruitment poster that encouraged women to join to ‘free a man for the fleet’ indicates the broadly support staff positions that were available to women.

women’s Army Corps WAC

Starting out as an auxiliary unit and changed to active duty in 1943, the US’S WAC were assigned to various duties such as switchboards, mechanics, drivers and so on. That said, it was explicit in their training that they needed to be ready to replace and take over from men, just as women in Europe were doing.

Auxiliary Territorial service ATS

While formed in 1938, the ATS was really a return of the voluntary Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps that had been formed in 1917 and disbanded after World War One in 1921. Members of the ATS would operate antiaircraft guns, work as military police, as mechanics, drivers and much more.

nursing service

Each service had their own nursing corps with Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps and Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. During D-day they would have been expected to help the injured get away from the landings to hospital ships.

women Airforce service Pilots WASP

The WASP were a civilian unit despite numerous efforts in Congress to change that. Their role was mainly transporting military aircraft and cargo; even so 38 WASP members are believed to have been killed during the war. In 1977 WASP members were finally given veteran status in the US.