SHEILA ON THE MARCH

Derived from the earlier Women’s Australian National Service, the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) was raised on 13 August, with the aim of freeing up more men to serve in frontline roles – a similar model to the British Auxiliary Territorial Service. For the duration of the war, women filled logistical and support jobs such as drivers and radio operators, as well as more dangerous roles manning fixed defence units. At its height the AWAS numbered over 20,000.