The WAAF

A History of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in the Second World War

The WAAF cover

The WAAF

A History of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in the Second World War

Description

The story of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force is a journey of exploration. This intriguing history tells the story of the wartime WAAF at work and play. They were no decorative adjunct to the RAF, but an integral working force that eventually saved the RAF 150,000 men, whose places they filled admirably. Debarred from flying, they nevertheless could be found in posts ranging from cooks to aircraft fitters. They were radar operators, plotters in busy operations rooms, nurses in air evacuation. In secrecy they worked as codebreakers at Bletchley Park, in the Y Listening Service, as code and cypher officers in Churchill's War Cabinet, as air interpreters, and as SOE agents in occupied France. Many others were posted abroad to work. This book provides a fascinating bird's-eye view of their many roles.

Table of Contents

Before the Second World War
The early years
Trades
Everyday life
Bravery awards
The WAAF abroad
The war ends
Conclusion
Further reading
Places to visit

Product details

Published 15 Sep 2003
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 40
ISBN 9780747805724
Imprint Shire Publications
Dimensions 210 x 149 mm
Series Shire Library
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Related Titles

Environment: Staging