CASPIR Data Archive

The Canadian Women's Auxiliary Air Force (CWACs) was created on July 2 1941 - the first Canadian military branch to accept women. A year later it was integrated with the Royal Canadian Air Force and renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force Women's Division.

In 1939 there were no women in the RCAF. The RCAF Women's Division began in 1941 and employed over 17,000 women in non-combat roles. Twenty from Women's Division received the British Empire Medal, 12 officers received the Member of the British Empire, and one officer, Dr. Jean Davey, was awarded the Order of the British Empire. Twenty-eight Women's Division died during the war from various causes. Museum Canada 150 Project (BCATP)

Squadron Officer Kathleen Lorena Jeffs (Toronto), awarded MBE (Member of the British Empire), January 1, 1944 for work in the Directorate of Supply Administration, AFHQ, Ottawa.

Squadron Officer Jeffs, as Chief Messing Officer to the RCAF, has personally reorganized the messing services and established a messing branch of the Women's Division consisting of highly qualified dieticians. Under her direction a very high standard of Service messing has been achieved which has been an important contribution to the welfare and morale of aircrew training in Canada. This officer has displayed outstanding ability and energy in the performance of her duties.

Both WW1 and WW2 exapnded the roles of women. Women also continued in traditional roles, those roles were more highly valued.