The Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) was a non-medical women's service established in Australia during the Second World War. Raised on 13 August 1941 to "release men from certain military duties for employment in fighting units" the service grew to over 20,000-strong and provided personnel to fill various roles including administration, driving, catering, signals and intelligence. Following the end of the Second World War, the service was demobilised and ceased to exist by 1947. It later provided a cadre of experienced personnel to the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps when it was established in 1951.
Northam, Western Australia, 1943. Minister for the Army Frank Forde and Lieutenant Ivy Levitzke inspecting Australian Women's Army Service personnel at the Western Training Centre
Recruitment poster
Belmont, Queensland, ca 1942. AWAS members instructed in the use of the Owen machine carbine
Brisbane 24 March 1945, AWAS from the Northern Territory during the Victory Loan March
Although most Australian civilians lived far from the front line, the Australian home front during World War II played a significant role in the Allied victory and led to permanent changes to Australian society.
Australian women were encouraged to contribute to the war effort by joining one of the female branches of the armed forces or participating in the labour force
Robert Menzies broadcasting to the nation the news of the outbreak of war, 1939. (See quote to right).
Naval recruits march along Melbourne Street in Brisbane, 1941
RAAF march in November 1941