Today in History: Lt Col Vida Jowett appointed first Chief Commandant of WAAC
Today in History – 1 July 1942: Lieutenant Colonel Vida Jowett is appointed the first Chief Commandant of the newly-formed New Zealand Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps.
In July 1942 the Army accepted women to serve in its ranks in the New Zealand Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs). These women served as drivers, radio operators, signallers, welfare, and clerical workers, as well as in the defence of the country. In total, 5000 woman served in the unit and 17 are officially listed as having died on active service.
Learn more about Vida Jowett, the remarkable woman behind this ‘Today in History’.
Featured image: An inspection of female army personnel (WAACs) by Vida Jowett during World War II. Raine, William Hall, 1892-1955 :Negatives of New Zealand towns and scenery, and Fiji. Ref: 1/4-020866-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22835854
