On Every Front: Canadian Women in the Second World War
The Story
Canadian women were not allowed to fight during the Second World War but they did just about everything else. Tens of thousands joined the women's divisions of the Armed Forces. Hundreds of thousands stepped into jobs in wartime industry. At home and abroad they were welders and pilots, nurses and clerks, the homemakers that kept families together, protecting the home front and the Canadian way of life. These are some of their stories.
Wrens reunite 60 years after WWII
Sixty years later, veterans of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service meet once again.
Spitfires in the rhododendrons: Canadian women war pilots
Canadian women fly warplanes for the Air Transport Auxiliary.
Canada’s own Rosie the Riveter
Rose Young is one of many women who sign up for work in Canada's factories and foundries.
Enforcing discipline among female WWII recruits
"Women at War" looks at the unfair reputation attributed to women in the forces.
WWII nurses face danger and death
A Nursing Sister recalls the grim sights of murdered civilians and so many young men dying.
Female officers take charge in WWII
One of Canada's first female officers recalls the first time she had to discipline a male.
‘Ten men for every girl’: women fend off men in WWII Halifax
Women in Halifax fend off drunken sailors and marriage proposals.
Women care for sailors in Halifax
Women in Canada's busiest port offer comfort to suffering mariners.
What is the role of women after the war?
"Servicemen's Forum" presents a full half hour panel discussion of what women will do in peacetime.
What is ‘women’s work’ in 1945?
As the war winds down, women begin a new fight to keep their jobs.
Women plan for the post-war world
"The Homemaker's Program" looks at the role of women after the war.
‘I’m the proudest girl in the world!’: a WWII recruitment film
During the Second World War, the Canadian Army presents a Hollywood-style short musical film encouraging women to enlist.
Canadian women serving overseas in 1943
Canadian women serving as Wrens, CWACs, WDs and Nursing Sisters make the most of rough conditions.
Keen-eyed women volunteer for Aircraft Detection Corps in 1943
Women in the ADC protect our coast from enemy intrusion.
Women of WWII in England: ‘gaining respect, proving their worth’
From repairing tanks to driving ambulances, English women prove they can do any job.
Mary Churchill congratulates Canadian Women’s Army Corps
Winston Churchill's daughter visits Canada to see our women in action.
RCAF Women’s Division grows from 150 to 8,000 recruits
RCAF is no longer just a man's air force. Kay Walker looks at the early days of the WD.
‘Dames in the Navy?’
"Comrades in Arms" looks at the role of women in the Navy.
Girl Guides prepares young women for wartime service
Women in armed forces celebrate National Guide Day.
The women who serve that men may fly
The story of an early Royal Canadian Air Force Women's Division recruit - Canada's first servicewomen.
Homemaking during wartime
A radio briefing for women on "stress-fighting foods," preparing rhubarb without sugar, and canning during a tin shortage.
Queen asks Canadian women to help war effort
As war breaks out, Queen Elizabeth, consort of King George VI, speaks to Canadian women about the roles they must…