About
This website is a place where the stories of Australian women, especially medical women who have served in uniform, can be shared and added to.
Initially the focus of this site was ‘medical women’ – those that have served as battlefield surgeons, as physiotherapists, as doctors in military hospitals, researchers in malaria or blood transfusion techniques or in many other roles in times of war… but there are so many rich stories of others that are yet to be shared.
Their stories are important and in sharing them, we honour the many women who have served their country with distinction and honour and demonstrated bravery, skill and compassion.
“It has been an immense privilege to have uncovered these stories. It is a greater privilege to be able to share them.”
“Whilst the world our daughters inherit will no doubt bring new challenges, it is important that the know and understand the stories of women who have gone before; not just of what Australian women are capable of, but what Australian women have already done.”
Susan J Neuhaus and Sharon Mascall-Dare in’ Not for Glory: A Century of Service by Medical women to the Australian Army and its Allies.
Colonel Susan Neuhaus, with her daughters Pulteney Grammar School Remembrance Day Service 2011
Chronology of Medical women in Australian Army
Australian Parliament passes the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902
Formation of the Australian Army Medical Corps (AAMC)
World War I
World War II
First female medical officer appointed in AAMC
Formation of AAMWS
Australia's involvement in Vietnam War
Women allowed to remain in service after marriage
Women allowed to serve on active serve (in non-combat roles)
Women receive equal pay to men
Sex Discrimination Act promulgated
35% of ADF roles opened to women
Australian Goverment agrees to lift gender restrictions from all ADF combat roles
Susan Neuhaus on the RACS podcast
RACS Post Op Podcast is a medical podcast by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Associate Professor Susan Neuhaus uses her appearance in the episode – The pioneering role of female surgeons in the lead-up to World War One – to discuss “Women, War and RACS” at the Annual Scientific Congress in Adelaide.
She also highlights the stories of these courageous women in medicine, determined to play their part despite the barriers in their way.
Share Your Story
We have barely scratched the surface when it comes to Australian women at war, and would love to hear your stories and have them appear on our website.
Please fill out the form so that we can get in touch with you.
NOTE: If you are trying to research a family member, please start with the War Memorial in Canberra or your state or territory. This form is only for helping us to share your stories.