On the home front
During the First and Second World Wars hundreds of thousands of Australia’s men were deployed
overseas. Those who remained at home contributed enormously to the war effort, particularly
during the Second World War when everyone was compelled to make sacrifices and many
volunteered their time and labour.
First World War
A few months into the war, the Australian economy started to flounder. Imports and investment dried
up, prices rose, and unemployment doubled.
Voluntary work
Those who were unable to contribute full-time to the war effort offered their services to voluntary
organisations including the Australian Red Cross, the Young Women’s and Men’s Christian
Associations (YWCA and YMCA) and the Country Women’s Association, local soldier’s comforts funds
and a variety of other local or national organisations.
Paid work
Voluntary work ran parallel to an equally vast paid workforce. Factory workers turned out rifles,
uniforms, ammunition and small warships, while military hospitals were built to treat wounded and ill
soldiers.
Women joined the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) and also took jobs in banks and offices.
The men who stayed behind joined the Citizen Force and rifle clubs in large numbers.
Second World War
In the early years of the Second World War many Australians continued their day-to-day lives while
coping with rising prices and unemployment. After Japan entered the war, the home front and the
fighting front could be one and the same. The entire country ushered in an era of austerity and mass
mobilisation during which Australians everywhere focused on how they could contribute to defeating
the enemy.
Nurses continued to play an increasingly significant role and served in hospitals and military medical
establishments around the country and overseas.
Manpower (Labour)
Thousands of women took the place of men who had joined the armed forces, working in munitions
and aircraft factories, textile trades, and food processing. Rural production also increased to feed
Australians at home and overseas as well as the American troops who were starting to arrive in large
numbers. Women took over running family farms while others, often from urban areas, joined
organisations such as the Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA).
Women in the armed forces
Significantly, women joined the armed services in roles other than nursing in large numbers. The
Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF), Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS),
Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS) and Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service
(WRANS) were formed in 1941-1942, allowing men to be freed up for overseas deployments.
Post-Second World War
The contribution of men and women on the home front was vital to Australia’s war effort. However,
when the war ended, women were expected to return to their pre-war roles, often in the domestic
sphere. While many maintained their involvement in voluntary and charitable organisations, most
industries resumed employing men in the post-war era.
Women’s services
During the First World War:
 There were no dedicated women’s services during the First World War
During the Second World War:
 More than 2,000 women served in the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS)
 More than 21,000 women enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS)
 More than 27,000 women served in the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF)
More information
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www.ww2australia.gov.au
www.awm.gov.au
Home Front: Australians in World War I - published by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
available for purchase from www.awm.gov.au/shop
For more information contact DVA Media
Email: dvamedia@dva.gov.au
Phone: +61 (0) 2 6289 6203
Website: www.dva.gov.au