This is an interesting and well structured book on one of the more socially significant elements of the British Army of the First World War.

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History of War, John Rickard

Throughout the book's 204 pages, Philo-Gill's ability to tell a story shines through. A small selection of black and white photographs and illustrations are included and are genuinely helpful in illustrating points from the main text. Comprehensive notes and an index complete the package.

The story of the corps through inception, deployment, service and demobilisation is an engaging and enjoyable read, often citing primary sources. However, as well as a story, this is a serious bit of history and research, with thorough examinations of almost any aspect of the service you could imagine. Towards the end of the book, once the main thrust of the wartime service is complete, the final chapter becomes more of a catalogue of research covering memorials, literary references and art. These sections will be of less interest to the general reader, but they contribute to the completeness of the history.

For historians looking at the history of the WAAC, this is a comprehensive account, however, there is much here for the general reader who wants to understand more about the contribution of these adventurous and brave women during the Great War.

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Stand-Easy

There are some very good photographs included, many of them the author’s own, and an interesting chapter on the women who were despatched to write about the work of the Corps for the British press, as well as those who took photographs, painted official pictures or wrote books about the WAAC...

This book is a fitting memorial to all the women who served in the WAAC/QMAAC.

Lucy London, War Poets

Referenced in 'further reading' part of article by Michelle Higgs on investigating the role of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and how to trace their service documents

Your Family History, August 2017

Skilfully blending official documents, newspaper reports, private letters and memoirs, this excellent history covers all aspects of the WAAC from pay, to work, social life and living conditions, in the women's own words where possible.

WDYTYA? magazine, June 2017 - reviewed by Phil Tomaselli

Well written account of an often overlooked branch of the armed services during the war.

Highly commended. 8/10

The Great War magazine, May 2017 - reviewed by Mark Marsay

The author has provided a unique glimpse into the world of women at war. The Great War needed women to be mobilised in large numbers to make up for the loss of men, creating a revolution in society.
Much Recommended

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Firetrench

I loved this history about a part of World War I that has very little information on it. The women who went to the front lines of the war, so men in certain jobs could be put on the line if they were fit. They had many issues to overcome in doing their job, not just from the men who were happy to serve their country but be out of the line of fire. It's a great history to read, especially for the centennial of the WAAC's being founded.

NetGalley, reviewed by Diana Thomas

A great deal of research obviously went into the writing of this history of the W.A.A.C's of England in WWI. And it is an awe-inspiring tale - these young women willingly placed themselves in a position never before tackled by women, and faced not just the very real perils of war in the front lines but the censure of a society that expected it's 'girls' to stay at home and follow the rules, rules set in stone these many generations.

I found myself appalled at the rumors and rustling whispered attempts to discredit these ladies, and indignant for the lack of understanding from the home front of the sacrifices they were willing to make to help win the war. Proud of the families who stood behind their girls, and very pleased at the adventures they managed to work into their very frantic 48 to 60 or more hour week's work schedules.

And I was inspired by their loyalty to country, and truly grieved by their casualties. This is a primer for all women everywhere - what it takes to actually be bravely committed to our country and our history. To be able to smile in the face of adversity and find good in the day, no matter how hard it is. And how difficult it is for family to let go of expectations in a time of trial. Many of the freedoms and privileges we woman take for granted today came about through the bravery of these mostly very young women.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

NetGalley, reviewed by Bonnye Reed Fry

As featured in

Writing magazine, March 2017

This is a useful textbook for research purposes.

NetGalley, reviewed by Lisa Sanderson

This really should be a book which is appreciated by social historians with an interest in this period. Indeed I would suggest that this should be of interest to many who simply have an interest in the broader subject matter, war or social history generally. While this is the story of the WAAC in France and covers just four years it is an important story in a wider context. It seems likely that many sociologists as well as historians would consider the changed role of women in the First World War was an integral part of the changes in society in the 20th century generally. In this sense this important book combines a diligent academic approach with ease of reading - not all that common.

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NetGalley review, reviewed by Nigel Rossiter