Members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps on parade outside their billet, Rouen, France, 24 July 1917

Photograph, World War One (1914-1918), 1917.

The Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) was formed in January 1917 to free up valuable and experienced soldiers from the rear areas for front line service. The women who replaced them were employed in a variety of jobs. As well as cooking and waiting on officers, they served as clerks, telephone operators, store-women, drivers, printers, bakers and cemetery gardeners. Initially confined to service in Britain, the Corps's role was quickly extended to allow service on the Continent.