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WWII Living History / Militaria / Research
History of the Women's Auxiliary Corps (WAC)
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Formation of the Corps
Following the disbanding of the WAAC, the WAC was formed on the 1st October 1943. Like the WAAC, there was no draft for women into the WAC. There was no obligation for former WAAC members to enrol in the WAC although over 75% did so, resulting in the WAC starting with 41,777 enlisted women and 4,600 officers. These women transferring from the WAAC were later awarded the WAC medal. By April 1944 the total strength was 70,000 and reached its peak in April 1945 at 99,228.
Overseas Service
The WACs served in all theaters of war, the most arduous assignment being the South Pacific. WACs followed the Army as they island-hopped through the Pacific, again taking mainly clerical and communication roles. The severe conditions were exacerbated by the supply situation in an area of extreme heat and humidity. Correct clothing was essential in an area where covering up was essential due to the risk of malaria, but WACs were not issued tropical clothing. At least one detachment, en route for the Aleutians and equipped ready for Arctic conditions, was redirected to New Guinea. These women had to wear Arctic issue clothing until each WAC had persuaded a man to give up one or more pairs of his khaki trousers.
Supply issues
The Pacific Theater had always been prone to supply problems, but the WACs posed an even greater challenge with 5000 of them being scattered amongst the islands. Even so, the Service of Supply was particularly hard on the WACs. For instance sanitary towels (napkins) or tampons were not considered necessary items, so had to be privately purchased from the nearest PX. Which for a WAC in the Pacific was approximately 2000 miles away… Due to supply problems, uniform standards were very lax – one WAC in the absence of other suitable clothing wore a Japanese uniform!
China Burma India (CBI)
The WACs also served in the China Burma India (CBI) Theater of operations, the first WACs arriving in New Delhi in October 1943 to serve in Vice-Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten’s HQ. They were also assigned to USAAF HQ in Calcutta, later moving with the HQ to Chunking, China. Many other assignments followed, the WACs carrying out their duties with efficiency and pride.
European Theater (ETO)
In the European Theater, WACs proved invaluable, providing faster and more efficient communications systems. General Mark Clark had 60 or so WACs assigned to his 5th Army in Africa, and he insisted they come with him when they moved into Italy in November 1943. They spent the winter living in pyramid tents in the mountains, working in a mobile switchboard trailer. These women all refused offers of rotation away from this stressful and exhausting duty.
War’s end
Although the WAC was only formed for the duration of the war and six months afterwards, it survived to be incorporated into the regular army in 1948. By the end of the war, nearly one hundred thousand WACs had left their homes and families, sometimes leaving husbands and children behind, in order to serve their country. Many of these women went overseas and worked in dangerous and unpleasant conditions, many were injured, and one hundred and eighty-one WACs lost their lives. They wore their uniforms with pride and dignity and deserve the greatest respect for the part they played in ensuring our freedom.
For details of earlier service and orgaisations such as the WIRES see History of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC)
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