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Women and War

Two women dressed in identical uniforms standing in front of a building. The uniform is a blazer with brass buttons and a skirt just below the knee. Both women are wearing boots. Both women have short hair and are wearing an army hat.

Lumby Historical Society Collection

Women did not play a combat role in World War I or in World War II.  In fact, Canadian women were not permitted to serve their country in a combat role until 1989!  During World War I, women served their country as nurses.  During World War II, enlisted women supported the war effort as drivers, radio operators, cooks and many other administrative roles.  Just as the men had to complete basic training, so did women.  It was a time to become independent and self-reliant.  For the first time, women were doing things and learning skills that would not have been possible back home.

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