Women in the RFC, RAF or WRAF - serving in France?

[Errol Martyn]

According to Squadron Leader Beryl E. Escott’s Women in Air Force Blue – The story of women in the Royal Air Force from 1918 to the present day:

The first selected group of WRAF set foot on French soil on 24 March 1919.

 

Is it possible that some WRAF served in France before this, during the war itself?

 

Some women serving with the RFC or RAF may have done so before the WRAF was formed?

 

Errol

[Stuart24]

Hi Errol,

 

According to the RAF's Official History ('The War in the Air' Volume 6 pp. 71-3), the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps employed small numbers of women in the rear areas in France from 1917, including at RFC depots and bases.  When the WRAF was formed, members of the WAAC were allowed to volunteer to transfer, and small numbers of them did.  They worked at the aircraft engine repair shops at Rouen through 1918.

 

Hope this helps

Stuart

 

 

[Errol Martyn]

Many thanks Stuart.

Cheers,

Errol