The Role of Women both Home and Abroad in WWI

In a time of war, nationalism and pride in one’s country is essential for its success.  Nationalism and pride were apparent all throughout Europe during the First World War, especially in Great Britain.  The role of British women was crucial in the defense of the nation during war.  Women were capable of aiding the nation at home by constructing weapons and supplying food for the army.  Through certain organizations women were given the choice to work at home or abroad through domestic work and other necessities.  At the war front, women were able to aid the nation by serving as cooks and nurses.  Through hundreds of organizations women were given the opportunity to serve their nation without actually fighting. 

            During times of war, nationalism is important in the war at home.  The army did not only provide military occupations, but also jobs that could be done at home.  Individual city councils offered jobs to do at home, such as ammunition work.  One poster reads, “London County Council: Women Wanted for Munition Work.  Offer of Free Training and Maintenance.”  This offer appealed to many women due to the free training, and being able to do the work at home instead of at the front.  During this time, women were in charge of raising children while their husbands fought in the war.  This could be done while working domestic jobs for the nation.  In this case, a wage is not stated but requires a minimum of eight hours of work daily.  It was vitually a call to arms for women.  They were called to do their part in the war, and were able to do so from home.  Another service, the National Service, offered farming jobs to women in aid of the Army.  A wage, housing, uniform, and maintenance were all included as part of this job.  This also appealed to many women who sought to become active in the war.  This organization, like many others, offered work both at home and abroad.

            Working abroad also appealed to many women.  The fact that they were given a choice made the offer better and comforted those wanting the job.  One organization, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, offered jobs to women such as cooks, waitresses, clerks, and driving mechanics.  “Women Urgently Wanted for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (W.A.A.C.).  Work at Home and Abroad With The Forces.”  Good wages were included, along with housing, a uniform, and food.  Women now had the opportunity to directly serve the army.  The poster also states that they were taking the place of men.  This provided more men to serve in the army, because women now took care of necessary jobs that men used to do.  Another organization, Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps, offered jobs including general clerks, ledger clerks, and typists. This offer, as did many others, offered free training and a wage, along with lodging and food.  This called for women to be active in the war in support of the nation, at home or abroad.  There were many organizations that were based at the front, and some even gave women the opportunity to fight in the war.

            Many jobs were needed at the war front.  To increase the number of men serving in the army, women filled their previous jobs.  Women were permitted to serve as nurses, cooks, clerks, and maintenance workers.  “Ladies Emergency Committee of the Navy League.  ‘I was thirsty and ye gave me –.’ Feeds And Comforts Royal Navy Prisoners…Do Your Bit Now.”  This London-based organization poster shows a dialogue from a Navy soldier to a female worker.  “I was thirsty and ye gave me –.”  This shows the importance of female workers and the amount of help the provided the army.  They did small jobs that were in the best interest of the nation.  “Do Your Bit Now.” This encouraged women to take an active role in the war and to do their fair share in fighting for their nation.  Another poster promotes the Royal Air Force.  “Women! The Royal Air Force needs your help! Serve Your Country by Joining the W.R.A.F.  There is fit work for every Fit Woman.”  Women now had the opportunity to literally fight in the war.  All British women eighteen years or older were encouraged to do any sort of work that would aid the army and the nation as a whole. 

During World War I, women were essentially called to arms by serving many domestic jobs.  Women were called upon to contribute to the war effort, and to do their part in aid of the nation.  Jobs such as farmers and ammunition workers were offered to women at home.  Both at home and at the war front women were able to hold clerkship jobs and other necessary occupations that men previously had.  At the front, women were permitted to fight for the army, and care for and nurse the men fighting.  The work of women was crucial in the defense and aid of Great Britain during World War I.   More men were able to fight in the war because women were doing their previous jobs.  This work could be done at home or at the front which appealed to many women, and ultimately contributed to Britain’s success in the war.