Cymraeg

The Experiences of Women in World War One

A collection of information, experiences and photographs recorded by Women's Archive of Wales in 2014-18

A collection of information, experiences and photographs recorded by Women's Archive of Wales in 2014-18

What do these initials stand for?


ATSArmy Transport ServiceSome WAACs were attached to the ATS as cooks, clerks etc. The Army Transport Service was part of the Army Service Corps, providing food and equipment to the Army.
CHRCivilian Hospital ReserveA register of trained nurses in hospitals who were available to be called up during the War.
FANYFirst Aid Nursing YeomanryA group formed in 1907, FANYs nursed and drove ambulances in France. They were mostly from wealthy backgrounds, some with their own cars.
QAIMNSQueen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing ServiceFormed in 1902, this was the regular nursing service attached to the Army. It still exists.
QARNNSQueen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing ServiceFormed in 1902, this was the regular nursing service attached to the Royal Navy. It still exists.
QMAACQueen Mary’s Army Auxiliary CorpsThe WAAC was renamed QMAAC on 9 th April 1918. Queen Mary was their Colonel in Chief. It was disbanded in 1920.
SWHScottish Women’s HospitalsSet up in 1914 (against official opposition) by women. Women doctors and nurses, some Welsh, worked in difficult circumstances in Serbia and Salonika, as well as France.
TFNSTerritorial Forces Nursing ServiceThe equivalent of the Territorial Army, trained civilian nurses were available to be called up from their civilian hospitals.
VADVoluntary Aid DetachmentMost VADs worked as unqualified nurses, though training was provided by the Red Cross. Many served close to home, but some were sent abroad.
WAACWomen’s Army Auxiliary CorpsEstablished in December 1916. Women replaced soldiers doing domestic and clerical tasks. Proportionate to size, more WAACs came from Wales than from elsewhere in the UK. Renamed QMAAC in 1918.
WLAWomen’s Land ArmyEstablished in January 1917 to recruit young women into farm work. Many girls and women had been working on farms, but this organised them and gave them uniform and training.
WRAFWomen’s Royal Air ForceEstablished on 1 April 1918. Women replaced airmen doing domestic and clerical tasks. It was disbanded in 1920.
WRNSWomen’s Royal Naval ServiceEstablished in November 1917. Women replaced sailors doing domestic and clerical tasks. It was disbanded in 1919.

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