- From
- April 1951
- To
- 31 January 1985
- Occupations
- Armed services organisation
- Alternative Names
- Womens Australian Army Corps (WAAC) (former name)
- Website
- http://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/structure/awas.htm
Summary
The Women's Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) was established in April 1951 to help overcome a manpower shortage. During the late 1970s female soldiers began to be integrated into the Army at large and in early 1985, the WRAAC was disbanded. The last Officers' Cadet School parade (6 December 1984) on the WRAAC School parade ground saw the Officer Cadets and the WRAAC Contingent marching to the strains of "Soldiers of the Queen". Prior to the formal closing of the gates the WRAAC School flag was ceremoniously lowered and slow marched "off", to be folded and handed over to the Chief Instructor of the WRAAC School for safe keeping. The gates, which had been repainted for the occasion, were then closed by Major Diane McVicker of the WRAAC School and Mrs Gwen Ellis - sister of Colonel Best.
The WRAAC Prayer was also included in the ceremony:
Almighty God, we ask you to reveal yourself in the fullness of your love to all who reach out to you. Help us to recognise ourselves as your children. Let the day soon dawn when we will allow your love to right every wrong.
Give us the courage and self control to play our part as members of the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps to help your kingdom come on earcth. Lead us in the pathway of life as your own wisdom and love see best: we are anxious only to do your will.
We ask you to give us the grace to rise above temptation, to be patient when tired, to be kind and helpful towards others.
To all members of our Army grant the special blessing that we need. Preserve us from selfishness. Bless every member of our Corps, our families and friends.
We come to you as children to our Father, asking these and all other blessing, in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
I was a WRAAC in the Signals Corp from 1974-81 and did my rookies in Sydney.
Was the WRAAC prayer only given to Officers in training, as I can't recall it ever being read out to us as N.C.O.'s?
Leona Luedtke - 3 June 2010, 4:56 PM EST
Can anyone help?
AWAP Administrator - 4 June 2010, 11:35 AM EST
Hi Leona,
I was in the last WRAAC general entry recruit intake in 1984. Although RE was provided to us, I do not recall the recital of the above prayer - although it may have been read out during our march out parade which was also televised.
Margi
Margi Phelan - 19 June 2010, 10:35 PM EST
I was at WRAAC school Sept 1974 and had never heard the prayer before now.
patricia sparkes nee quick - 22 June 2010, 9:09 PM EST
I was at WRAAC School Aug-Sep 1962 and also had never heard the prayer before. Maybe the Passing Out Parade was all I could think about.
Jenny Robertson - 17 July 2010, 5:50 PM EST
I served across 2 decades and had never heard of the WRAAC prayer until a couple of months ago.
Denise Hudson - 28 July 2010, 4:07 PM EST
What was the occasion, Denise?
AWAP Administrator - 2 August 2010, 2:24 PM EST
I served in the 70's and had not heard of it before either.
Jean oliver - 3 August 2010, 12:53 AM EST
I was at WRAAC school Mosman in Feb '62. I had never heard the prayer before I read it today. I was also at the parade with Princess Margaret in '77 and I dont remember it being read there either. I feel sad that we have lost 'our' corps
Shirley Richards - 11 August 2010, 10:49 AM EST
I was a member of the WRAAC from 1962 to 1965, and I can't remember ever hearing the WRAAC prayer before. Not sure how much of that is age-related, though!
Marie Boughton nee Taylor - 8 September 2010, 7:51 PM EST
Trying to find out what happend to Lee Stumbles who was on the 125/69 course at WRAAC School. Glad of any help you can give.
Tks, Libby
Libby Flemming - 10 October 2010, 12:59 PM EST
I have heard there is a WRACC Reunion next year, can anyone give me some details as to when this will happen I enlisted in 1983.
Tks, Kim
Kim Novak - 18 October 2010, 1:57 PM EST
Try visiting WRAACReunited.
http://www.wraacreunited.org/
Cheers.
AWAP Administrator - 28 October 2010, 1:52 PM EST
I would like to get my details from the WRAAC Association. My registration number and the dates of enlistment and discharge. Can anyone help. I was recruited in Melb and went straight to WRAAC School.
Cheers
Johanne Murphy - 14 November 2010, 12:00 AM EST
Johanne, try contacting the organisation mentioned directly above your post.
AWAP Administrator - 16 November 2010, 2:53 PM EST
I was in the WRAAC from 1972-1981 and I dont recall ever hearing the WRAAC Prayer, then again I didn't hear a lot of things I was meant to in those days.
Phillipa Burgess - 7 January 2011, 8:41 PM EST
I recently received a phone call after many years being away from the Army,and it was nice to be remembered.
I joined the WRAAC CMF in August 1967 and continued in the Regular in August 1969. I hoping to attend the reunion.
Judith Bulleid nee DUNN - 21 January 2011, 9:49 AM EST
I was at WRAAC school Nov 76 if any one was there at the same time please feel free to contact me.
Linda Fennell ( nee Stubley) - 31 January 2011, 4:04 PM EST
I was in the February 62 Georges Heights intake and attended the reunion and it was great. Meet up with Lynee Smith. I am looking for Margaret Boothy Evelyn nick name Stevie was my bridesmaid and Nellie. Nellie and Evelyn I may have met eith at Mount Martha or Watsonia. I learnt to drive in the Army and went to a Signal unit at Watsonia after doing GD's at Mount Martha. Posted to Brisbane with Captain Fisher at the WRAAC baracks in Brisbane.
Love to hear from anyone in my intake.
Patricia Cheetham(nee Courtney) also Hutchins - 17 February 2011, 8:47 PM EST
I would like to contact any members who lived at 10 WRAAC Barracks period late 1960 to December 1963
Shirley Livermore (Bloomfield) - 7 March 2011, 5:35 PM EST
I was in the Army from 1978-1989. Now 32 years later, together with another of my course mates, we are trying to put together a reunion of everyone we went through WRAAC School with in October 1978. If you know of anyone who was at Mosman during that time, please contact us. We started with 55 and have found about 15. We are using Friends Reunited, WRAAC Reunited and Facebook. If we haven't found you, you are out there somewhere..Please Help.
Kristine McBride - 24 April 2011, 3:01 PM EST
There is to be a servicewomen's commemorative service at the Kapooka Soldier's Cahpel on Tuesday 5 July 2011 from 2.30pm. There are five of us here who served as WRAAC all those years ago (MAJ Lisa-Jo Laing; WO1 Fran OBrien; WO2 Michelle Crouch; SGT Dianne Meeking; and myself, CAPT Lynn Harding). The developments for service women have been dramatic and remain rewarding. Anyone wnting to join us is welcome but please ring me at Kapooka to make prior arrangements.
Lynn Harding (nee BASSETT-SCARFE) - 29 June 2011, 7:49 AM EST
Saw that Libby was looking for Lee Stumbles. Wow both names bring back memories. I was also in the 125/69 intake and remember you both. I am looking for Theresa Dowd and Ginny Luckraft from 125/69?
Linda Mckeown - 25 July 2011, 4:33 PM EST
Was @ WRAAC School 2/82 -boy there are some memories
Catherine Limpus Sanders - 27 October 2011, 11:41 PM EST
I completed the last OCDT course at WRAAC school in 1984. I would like to contact anyone who also was in that course.
Just read about the reunion. I am sorry that I did not know about it.
Kathie Marquardt (Ryan)
26 December 2011
Kathie Ryan - 26 December 2011, 11:37 PM EST
Wow!!! These sites bring back so many memories, was in CMF in Perth then went to WRAAC School in Mosman in 1972 from ther to Watsonia for Sig training then to 5 Sig for there to 123 Sig Troop in Perth. Married Peter van Der Velden. Would love to hear from anyone in my era. Going to Sydney Xmas 2012 and old 5 Sig barracks are on my list of to do's. Contact me if you know me and want to get together during this time
Lorraine Lawrence - 16 January 2012, 9:08 PM EST
Was at WRAAC school in June 1973 and don't recall hearing the prayer although have heard of it. Looking for Heather Meldrum from that rookie intake and Eileen Trezise from Moorebank mid 80s although she may have a different surname now. Was married to David Trezise. Any help appreciated contact on ja.sinclair@hotmail.com
julie sinclair - 22 January 2012, 3:00 PM EST