Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (New Zealand)

Women's Auxiliary Army Corps Women's Royal Army Corps
Personnel of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps marching through Cairo, Egypt, during an Empire Day parade, June 1943
Active	1942–1977
Country	New Zealand
Type	Army
Size	Personnel: 4,589 (peak strength)
Engagements	Second World War North African campaign Italian campaign Pacific campaign Home Front Occupation of Japan
Commanders
Notable commanders	Vida Jowett (1942–1947)

The Women's Auxiliary Army Corps was a female auxiliary of the New Zealand Military Forces. Raised during the Second World War under the command of Vida Jowett, most of its personnel served on the Home Front, with several manning coastal and anti-aircraft defences. Many WAACs were sent overseas to serve in Europe and the Middle East, mainly providing medical and welfare services to the troops of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. At its peak, it had a strength of nearly 4,600 serving personnel. After the war, some WAACs served with Jayforce, providing welfare services for the New Zealand troops doing occupation duties in Japan.

In peacetime, WAAC personnel performed catering, clerical, medical, and signaling work. In 1948, it became a regular corps of the New Zealand Army and four years later became the New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps, upon gaining approval to use the Royal designation. It was disbanded in 1977 when women were allowed to serve with the New Zealand Army alongside men.