The lives of many women changed dramatically during the Second World War. This was the first time that many of them had left home to work: in 1939 there were 94,000 women working in Wales, but by 1944 the number had increased to 204,000.

Many of these women went to work on the land as part of the Women’s Land Army. By 1943 nearly 4,500 women were members of the Land Army in Wales. Thousands of women also worked on family farms in the production of food for the war effort.

Others went to work in new jobs like chemical and munition factories and in the construction of aeroplanes. By 1944 55% of war workers in Wales were women.

Many women joined the Armed Forces. From December 1941 onwards every woman between the ages of 20 and 30 had to register for war work or for work with the Armed Forces.

By answering the questions about the photographs you will learn more about the lives of women during the Second World War, and can print and keep your answers. Follow these links to learn more.

• Factory Work
• The Emergency Services
• The Women's Land Army