Book received from NetGalley.

I loved this history about a part of World War I that has very little information on it. The women who went to the front lines of the war, so men in certain jobs could be put on the line if they were fit. They had many issues to overcome in doing their job, not just from the men who were happy to serve their country but be out of the line of fire. It's a great history to read, especially for the centennial of the WAAC's being founded.

I received a free electronic copy of this history from Netgalley, Samantha Philo-Gill, and Pen and Sword - History, publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all, for sharing your hard work with me.

A great deal of research obviously went into the writing of this history of the W.A.A.C's of England in WWI. And it is an awe-inspiring tale - these young women willingly placed themselves in a position never before tackled by women, and faced not just the very real perils of war in the front lines but the censure of a society that expected it's 'girls' to stay at home and follow the rules, rules set in stone these many generations.

I found myself appalled at the rumors and rustling whispered attempts to discredit these ladies, and indignant for the lack of understanding from the home front of the sacrifices they were willing to make to help win the war. Proud of the families who stood behind their girls, and very pleased at the adventures they managed to work into their very frantic 48 to 60 or more hour week's work schedules.

And I was inspired by their loyalty to country, and truly grieved by their casualties. This is a primer for all women everywhere - what it takes to actually be bravely committed to our country and our history. To be able to smile in the face of adversity and find good in the day, no matter how hard it is. And how difficult it is for family to let go of expectations in a time of trial. Many of the freedoms and privileges we woman take for granted today came about through the bravery of these mostly very young women. Thank you.

This is a useful textbook for research purposes but I found it too dry for bedtime reading!

I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

The author of this book has obviously undertaken thorough and extensive research on her subject. For historians with an interest that is a good thing as we learn at the start that there have really only been two books on the WAAC and they have been out of print for years. In the introduction, which is good, the author does explain her rationale and objectives for the book. The four objectives are to provide a comprehensive history of the WAAC, its social context, to describe life in the WAAC and life after the WAAC. In effect it focuses almost exclusively on the WAAC in France.

It opens with an excellent outline on the roles of women generally prior to and at the time of the war. It offers detail on the situation 1916 from the viewpoints of those involved in setting up the WAAC. Throughout this book there are extensive references to good primary sources varying from official documents through diaries kept by senior personnel in the WAAC to actual narratives from ordinary members of the WAAC. This means that there is very good information on the positions taken by senior government personnel and the like on the suitability of women for such roles! Problems with recruitment such as obtaining references, pay rates and interdepartmental issues are revealed.

There is some fascinating discussion (for me) on aspects such as uniform and badges and also saluting. As the women were not actually in the army the positions taken on such things often are highly depending on the role of the person concerned as well as their gender.

Having looked in some detail at the setting up of the WAAC the book explores then explores the WAAC in action as it were. There are stories of joining up getting over there. Over the next few chapters the book looks at various aspects of the WAAC varying from food, medical care and recreation through to the thornier subject of fraternising and discipline and the view of the army on the WAAC.

Also covered is the work actually done with the rationale behind it and categories undertaken. Social history is frequently apparent and here the actual roles tend to be divided along class lines. In the early days of the WAAC in France there are rumours about morality and prostitution (again based on class at times). It all led to a division of the WAAC being created as patrollers.

The dangers to the women such as bombing are very interesting. The statements by actual WAACs make for fascinating reading in this and other sections. The book looks at the Armistice and after with work continuing for many and new duties such as border control being introduced. After that Demobilisation, reflection and the return to work are covered. There is a section on the displays at the Imperial war museum including photography and other exhibits. The role of the WAACs in remembrance is also considered.

At the front there is a good time line and useful glossary . At the end there are extensive references as well as a bibliography section and sources. The book is well indexed. In my review copy the book ended with some interesting illustrations and photographs though I confess I would have liked more.

This really should be a book which is appreciated by social historians with an interest in this period. Indeed I would suggest that this should be of interest to many who simply have an interest in the broader subject matter, war or social history generally. While this is the story of the WAAC in France and covers just four years it is an important story in a wider context. It seems likely that many sociologists as well as historians would consider the changed role of women in the First World War was an integral part of the changes in society in the 20th century generally. In this sense this important book combines a diligent academic approach with ease of reading - not all that common.