The Canadian Women's Army Corps 1941-1946
Canadian army's did not have enough soldiers enlisted to fight in the war, so women relieved men from their non-combat duties so they could battle. Thus began the Canadian Women's Army Corps.
The government certified the formation of the Canadian Women's Army force and recruited thousands of women to join. In September 1939 Canada joined the war accompanied by the Canadian Women's Corps which included thousands of women across Canada. Although the women didn't fight in the war they wanted to be taken seriously for the jobs they were doing. The Corps wasn't an official part of the army or military but was still a huge step forward in creating an ideal roll for woman in the war. The Canadian Women's Army Corps provided training for women as cooks, clerks, telephone operators, typists, quartermasters and many other essential jobs for the war effort. It wasn't until March 14th 1942 that the Canadian Women's Army Corps officially joined the Canadian Army. With the Corp's new status came a greater respect for Women. They now wore official uniforms and began to take on more responsibility. |
Women all over Canada joined the Canadian Women's Army Corps for a large group of reasons. They joined out of pure patriotism, which was their love for their country and their willingness to sacrifice for it. Some women joined simply because their family or friends did. Other women joined because, like the men, they wanted an adventure. They were tired of sitting at home, cooking and cleaning and wanted to embark on a new experience.
There were certain qualifications if someone wished to join the women's army Corps. Some of these qualifications were that recruits must be in outstanding health, could not be shorter than five feet, there was a minimum weight you could be (depending on ones hight), had to be between the age of 18-45, needed at least grade 8 education, and must be a British subject, which was the "norm" at the time.
At first the Canadian women in the Army Corps were not excepted among the men in the army. They were thought to be improper and it intimidated the men to see girls in uniform. Although, it didn't take long for the women to prove themselves. Their hard word and dedication shattered any doubt the men had and skeptics were silenced. This having great significance because it did not only impact the war in a positive way, but the future for women as well.
There were certain qualifications if someone wished to join the women's army Corps. Some of these qualifications were that recruits must be in outstanding health, could not be shorter than five feet, there was a minimum weight you could be (depending on ones hight), had to be between the age of 18-45, needed at least grade 8 education, and must be a British subject, which was the "norm" at the time.
At first the Canadian women in the Army Corps were not excepted among the men in the army. They were thought to be improper and it intimidated the men to see girls in uniform. Although, it didn't take long for the women to prove themselves. Their hard word and dedication shattered any doubt the men had and skeptics were silenced. This having great significance because it did not only impact the war in a positive way, but the future for women as well.