The W.A.A.F in Action (1944)

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The ‘WAAF in Action’ was published in 1944 in London by Adam and Charles Black Publishers in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Relations at the Air Ministry.  The book considers the role of the Women’s Auxiliary Force (WAAF) during World War II mainly through 87 photographs of the members of the WAAF in the various duties, with the book opening up with an introduction by H.E.B which explores both the position of women in society and how the group contributes to equality between men and women.

This book is a valuable contribution to any study considering the position of women during the Second World War as the WAAF is frequently regarded as one of the most important women’s military organisation during the war. In fact, by 1945 after the introduction of conscription for women in 1941, there were a quarter of a million women serving in the WAAF. This book, and especially the photographs, can provide considerable evidence of the sort of work undertaken by the women in the Force, with the introduction and the tag lines providing more detail on this. These photographs are a useful insight into the work conducted by the group, and can be evidence of how traditional male jobs, such as fixing an aeroplane propeller, were completed by women during the war. Some examples of the photographs in the book include: women working with radar control, the interpretation of aerial photographs and weather reports and women working as mechanics, engineers and electricians for aeroplanes.  

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The book begins with a five page introduction which lays out a brief history of women’s emancipation up until World War II, and considers the role undertaken by the WAAF. This introduction is an important source when considering society’s reaction to women working in traditionally male sector, as although the section is very much praising the work of the WAAF, there are suggestions of misogynistic and sexist ideas still prevailing in society. An example of this is the assertion that the women in the photographs are “unmistakably feminine” which can be considered as an example of women still prescribing to their traditional gender roles. This phrase could also be suggestive of some of the concerns relating to women entering a traditionally male sector.

Historians often use the WAAF as evidence of the role of women during World War II. An example of this, is Arthur Marwick who uses the WAAF’s role in the war to support his argument of how progressive these new institutions were in terms of broadening the position of women in society and improving equality between the sexes. However, although ‘WAAF in Action’ supports this argument to an extent, the introduction could be suggestive of society still having a considerable degree of continuity when considering women’s role in society, an argument supported by historians such as Gail Braybon and Harold Smith.

This source is clearly an important contribution to any study considering the work or role of women during World War II. Whilst the photographs can be taken as evidence of the progressive nature of the war in terms of the work conducted by the WAAF, the introduction and the fact that this book was even created could be evidence of the alternative. 

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Looking for further sources?

 

The Hypatia archives has a considerable collection which looks at women’s role in war – this short list here suggests some of the highlights of the archives which looks at both the First and the Second World War.  It is also worth remembering that the Hypatia collection has secondary sources which may be useful.

  • Anderson, A., “Johnnie”: of Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps, (London, 1920)
  • Beauman, K. B., Wings on her Shoulders, (London, 1943)
  • Carroll, K., Compass Course: the Log of an Air Force Officer’s Wife, (London, 1941)
  • Corelli, M., My “Little Bit”, (London, 1919)
  • Halstead, I., ‘The Gentle Sex: the Great Film Story of life in the ATS’, (London, 1943)
  • Tennyson, J., While London Burns: Letters Written to America (July 1940- June 1941), (London, 1942)
  • Sackville- West, V., The Women’s Land Army, (London, 1944)
  • Shewell- Cooper, W. E., ‘Land Girl: A Handbook for the Women’s Land Army’, (London, 1940)
  • Anonymous, WAAC: The Woman’s Story of the War, (London, 1930)

 For further research, there are numerous archives online relating to women in war. For further researching on the Women’s Land Army consult http://www.womenslandarmy.co.uk/ which contains many archives relating to this group. The University of Warwick Modern Records Centre also has a considerable number of digitalised archives relating to women in war and this can be found by following this link: https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/explorefurther/digital/ww1_100/women/

Written by Jess Clarke

The W.A.A.F in Action (1944)