Women in the War Flashcards
1939-1945?
Most men are conscripted for “war” work in the armed forces.
What are women conscripted to?
Replace men in a range of vital jobs.
How many women were called up?
800,000.
Land army?
During the war, more food is needed and 30,000 men have left farming jobs in order to fight. 90,000 women are recruited to replace the men to work in agriculture = food production increases.
What jobs were women employed in for heavy industry? 3
Factories, transport and construction.
What did women have to do in heavy industry? 3
Manual labour, drivers and machine operators.
What happens after the adjustment period?
Hard work from women = gained respect.
How many women served in the RAF, the Navy and the Army?
450,000.
What were the initial jobs for women in the armed forces?
Cleaning, secretarial, administrative roles.
What jobs did women eventually have?
Anti-aircraft operators, dispatch riders, pilots and even spies.
How many women were employed by SoE?
Nearly as many as men.
Impact of women in the war? 4
- increased independence
- recognition of childcare schemes to enable women to work
- women were replaced by men in post war Britain
- marked the start of a slow increase in working women
