The Women's Royal Australian Naval Service : a study in discrimination 1939-1960

Abstract

Throughout history women have shown a willingness to participate actively in the defence of their country, home, and beliefs, and gave lie to the assertion that they were intrinsically less able than men when it came to achieving the ends through violent means. As Western civilization progressed however, women became restricted to “womanly” duties and separated from the official military sphere. The power to make war became exclusively men’s. In Australia immigration patterns, geographic features, and a particular historical period combined to create a virulently male dominated society. This was particularly apparent in the armed services. Australia did not allow women to enlist in its defence forces until 1941, a time of unprecedented national peril. Female volunteers were the final option.

The Women’s Services were disbanded following World War II and not re-established until the armed forces again could not fulfil their defence commitment. The Royal Australian navy was the last service to permit a female branch, and between 1942 and 1960 the development of the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service was inhibited by both societal values and attitudes and the traditions and priorities of the Navy.