From the Archives

Our Wartime History

As we paused to reflect on Remembrance Day this week, we acknowledged that service takes many forms. In addition to the men who served in the military - often in combat roles – thousands of women served in support roles, often as volunteers.

Research in our archives has revealed that as many as 24 female ex-students served in WWII, some as nurses, others with the Navy or Airforce Ladies Auxiliary services. We know, for example that Honor McLeish whilst serving in a hospital in Colombo (Sri Lanka) ‘met several old friends among wounded men who escaped from Singapore’, making her experience very vivid and placing it in the very real context of the war in the Pacific. 

Others of the PLC ex-students served on home soil. What was that experience like? What was it like to be at school during the six years of war?

We do not – as yet – have more detailed accounts of the service of all the former PLC - and Wolaroi - students who served, but we are hoping to compile as much information as possible, especially since 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. If your family has any information about their relative’s experiences during WWII, the Archives would love to hear from you by emailing archives@kws.nsw.edu.au

Here is the list of names we have so far for the PLC ex-students who served.

Lest We Forget.

Myree BARNES, AWAS

Jean BARNES, AWAS

Betty BETTS, AAWMS

Vera BLOWES, AWAS

Kathleen CALDWELL, AAWMS

Isobel CALDWELL, AAWMS

Gwen CALDWELL, WRANS

Faith CLEMENTS, AAWMS

Jenny GORDON, AWAS

Frances GORDON, AWAS

Ella-Mavis GRIFFITH, AWAS

Barbara KNIGHT, AANS

Suzanne LYONS, AAWMS

Jill McKENZIE, WRANS

Honor McLEISH , AAWMS

Una MILLS, AANS

Betty-Jean MURRAY, AWAS

Lois PHILLIPS, AAWMS

Betty PONTEY, AAWMS

Beth STINSON, WAAF

Beryl TODD, AAWMS

Barbara WEBB, AAWMS

Pat WEBSTER, AAWMS

Betty WEBSTER, AAWMS

AWAS - Australian Women’s Army Service

AAWMS - Australian Army Medical Women’s Service

WRANS - Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service

WAAF  - Women’s Auxiliary Air Force

Photo credit: Australian War Memorial