What did you do in the War and Afterwards Mummy – Unearthing Forgotten Stories
An opportunity for people to commemorate and share memories of their mothers and aunties stepping forward to help save our Country in WW2. Women's service is often overlooked how it changed their lives during the war period & afterwards - opportunities, moving new locations, meeting new people .
2025: it’s been 80 years since WW2 ended. Women’s service is often overlooked, how their lives changed during the war & afterwards: opportunities, new locations, meeting new people .
About 500 Illawarra women enlisted in the Services in WW2, mostly in the Army & RAAF. Some served in Europe, Middle East, India, New Guinea & Borneo. Nurses treated the newly liberated POW’s from Changi Singapore. Some women returned to the Services post WW2, making a career there.
Other women entered heavy industries, manufacturing the iconic Owen Gun developed by Illawarra Inventor Evelyn Owen. Women doctors found opportunities to be promoted in NSW Hospitals. School girls made camouflage nets during their breaks at school – some only knew war during their school years. On the home-front, women had to cope with rationing, coupons for food, clothing & basics – with many fathers overseas for years.
We’ve unearthed photos from family photo albums,Womens Magazines, can you share more with us?