The Woman's Fire Auxiliary was inaugurated in June 1940, as a
means for women to assist in the War Effort. Lady Wakehurst, the
wife of the Governor of NSW, was a driving force in the
formation of the WFA, and was subsequently elected president.
The first members were recruited from the WANS (Women's
Australian National Service), and among other things, were put
through an eight week course in Air Raid Procedures, dealing
with incendiary bombs, fires in the home, rescue work, first
aid, operating chemical extinquishers, station procedures, and
Watchroom Duties. On passing an examination, they were attached
to the Fire Station in their locality, and continued to advance
in their training from there. They did one night of drill per
week for 1.5 hours, and another night watchroom duty. They were
initially recruited from 30-45 year old members of the WANS, and
were supplied with a uniform consisting of tunic, skirt, hat,
gloves, stockings shoes, shirt, tie, lapel badge, Duperite
helmet, overalls and two shoulder b