Uniforms, NSW Women's Fire Auxiliary, 

as recreated for the WIFF 2006 Conference.

 

As was the case with many services, during WWII women were deployed as fire fighters across Australia. A comprehensive history of the WFA and their deployment has yet to be written. In 1945 members of the WFA had their commissions withdrawn, and laws were introduced to stop women becoming paid fire fighters. This was not overturned until the intorduction of the anti-discrimination legislation in 1977. 

Records and photos still exist of the uniforms they wore. They were different across Australia. For the purposes of reaction, I chose the dress and turn-out gear for the NSWFB. I hope you enjoy the photographs! 

Read more about the WFA, or see photographs of other women in uniform during WWII across the world.

 
 

This video shows a few brief moments of the presentation of the recreated WFA uniforms at the 2006 Australasian Women in Fire Fighting Conference, Darling Harbour, Sydney.

The first uniform, worn byToni Alexandro, Aviation Fire Rescue, is the overalls, arm band and helmet worn by the women of the WFA. Whilst the uniform was a recreation, the hat was kindly lent to us by the Museum of Fire, Penrith, and was original issue. 

The second uniform, worn by Cath Doherty, SFF NSWFB, and was the dress uniform of the WFA.

Both uniforms are also shown below.

 


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