Historical information

The Women's Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) badge is the official insignia worn by members of the all-female corps established in April 1951 to address army manpower shortages after AWAS officially disbanded on 30/6/1947
The badge remained in official use until late 1984/1985, when the WRAAC was disbanded and female soldiers were fully integrated into the regular corps of the Australian Army

Significance

The Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) was established on 13 August 1941 to release male soldiers from home defence duties for service overseas during World War II. More than 24,000 women served in the AWAS between 1941 and 1947.While initially restricted to traditional roles, the scope of AWAS responsibilities expanded as the war progressed.
In 1945, a small detachment of approximately 350 AWAS personnel was sent to serve in Lae, New Guinea

Physical description

The badge centrepiece is a diamond-shaped silver shield featuring the five stars of the Southern Cross surrounded by a golden laurel wreath with crown on top and scroll at bottom. Two lugs attached at rear.

Inscriptions & markings

WRAAC