The Second World War had a huge impact on everyone of Britain, even those who were not actually in the armed forces. Women, especially young women, found that their lives were dramatically changed by the war. Many women worked in jobs which were traditionally men’s jobs before the war and many actually served in the armed forces and other important war effort services. Women were employed in industry and on the land (the Land Army).

Thousands of new workers were needed because the men were away with the Armed Forces. Women were mostly involved in the production of wartime military supplies. By the summer of 1941, over half of the working population was employed by the government or on government schemes. It was not enough, however, and in late 1941 women were called up (conscripted) to either work in industry or join the auxiliary forces.. This meant they had to register for war work at a labour exchange. Women who were ill, or pregnant, or had small children were exempt.

Thousands of young women were conscripted into factories or the auxiliary services. Conditions for men and women were often difficult and all workers in essential industries faced long hours – eighty hour weeks were not uncommon. Wages were strictly controlled.. Men and women workers could be moved around the country to where they were needed most. Work in the auxiliary services included the ATS, WAAF and the WRENS. Women were also recruited to work in the Women’s Land Army.

Millions of women became involved in the war effort as air-raid wardens, fire officers and evacuation officers. Many women also joined the armed services, some of whom served overseas. Women were allowed to join the forces but were not allowed to fight. The first jobs that were offered to women in the armed forces were clerical work or cooking. This changed later as women joined the Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS) helping to direct anti-aircraft gunfire, The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) who worked as mechanics on aircraft and operated barrage balloons. The Women's Royal Naval Services (WRENS) served on shore as radio operators and ambulance drivers.