W.A.A.A.F. Memorial WalkPrint Page

The walkway commemorates the members of the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (W.A.A.A.F.) who were stationed at Tocumwal during World War Two. The walkway commences at the corner of Hennessy & Jerilderie Streets.

The walkway project continued the preservation of the route the WAAAF used and includes interpretation opportunities and feature elements to tell stories of the Tocumwal Airbase WAAAF. The role of the WAAAF in World War Two and the role of women in Australian society provides context and meaning to the story. 

The Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (W.A.A.A.F.) was formed in March 1941 after considerable lobbying by women keen to serve and by the Chief of the Air Staff who wanted to release male personnel serving in Australia for service overseas. It was the largest of the World War Two women's services. It was disbanded in December 1947. 

Tocumwal was the home to the largest Aerodrome in the southern hemisphere, it was also the largest encampment of the Women’s Australian Air Force Auxiliary Force (WAAAF).  At its peak, 4,581 RAAF service-men and 422 WAAAF service-women served on the base. The WAAAF’s were essential to the running of Tocumwal Aerodrome. They were involved in signals communications, flying administration, aircraft, engine, instruments and parachute maintenance, transport, stores and offices, as well as more traditional roles in the mess hall, laundries and offices. They are proud of their service. The Air Force needed the WAAAF, and they fulfilled their roles with flair and competence. Many people considered their contribution to the war effort as double, since their work released men for active duty. It should be noted that the WAAAF were however, paid 2/3rd (or less) the equivalent ranked pay of a service-man.

While the service-men were generally able to make use of the vehicles on the base for trips into town, the WAAAF more often walked alongside the creek. Tocumwal thrived at the time with coffee shops, dances in Memorial Hall, weddings and social events. In the midst of the tragedy of war, the circumstances created career and personal opportunities which women would take decades to regain after the war.

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