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Post by anxiousmom on Apr 3, 2016 13:00:38 GMT
I thought I would ask here. I read an article yesterday that used this term (in reference to female vets of WWII) and hadn't heard it before-but when I googled, there really wasn't anything at all except a children's history book from the civil war. Definitely nothing from WWII.
Since there are all kinds of history buffs and genealogy people, I thought I would ask here if someone else had ever run across the term 'petticoat soldier' and had a better clue.
For reference, the author separated out the petticoat soldier from the nurses, the flyers, the office staff, etc.
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lucki
Full Member
Posts: 100
Jun 26, 2014 1:07:03 GMT
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Post by lucki on Apr 3, 2016 13:49:08 GMT
I believe it's reference to the women who served in the WAC. I even found a recruiting video with a reference to "petticoat soldiers": link (It's right at the beginning) The video makes it seem like it was a derogatory phrase but I found a few other references that make it sound like the women attempted to fight the reputation by claiming the phrase as their own and even incorporated it into marching songs: link (Hopefully this link works for you - Its from google books and unfortunately doesn't show the whole book) |
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Post by PepsiGal on Apr 3, 2016 13:57:26 GMT
WoW ! I love the facts we learn here.
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Post by anxiousmom on Apr 3, 2016 14:07:35 GMT
I believe it's reference to the women who served in the WAC. I even found a recruiting video with a reference to "petticoat soldiers": link (It's right at the beginning) The video makes it seem like it was a derogatory phrase but I found a few other references that make it sound like the women attempted to fight the reputation by claiming the phrase as their own and even incorporated it into marching songs: link (Hopefully this link works for you - Its from google books and unfortunately doesn't show the whole book) Thank you! The thing that was curious to me was the article specifically differentiated between the WACs and the petticoat soldiers. I wonder if it was one of those commonly used terms for those that enlisted in the Army vs. other branches of the service. |
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oldcrow
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,828 
Location: Ontario,Canada
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Post by oldcrow on Apr 3, 2016 16:06:55 GMT
The CWACs were referred to with that name by a high ranking army officer who was against the formation.
Perhaps such derogatory terms were used in the US also.
The WASPs were considered civil service employees without military status until 1977 when they were awarded full status. But they were flyers so the soldier part might not fit so well.
It may also be a term used to refer to the women who did not go into the military at all but worked in the factories. Vital to the war effort but not recognized in the same way as those who donned a uniform.
And there is also the chance that the author of the article was inaccurate, it would not be the first time. You might want to contact him/her.
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