Women's Auxiliary Corps (India)

The Women's Auxiliary Corps (India) (WAC(I)) was a women's auxiliary of the British Indian Army formed during World War II. Established in May 1942, its purpose was to release men from non-combatant roles, allowing them to be deployed in active combat duties.

The WAC(I) recruited women of British and Indian descent and initially provided training in various skills including clerical work, driving, signalling, and switchboard operation. Women served in a wide variety of roles, supporting the war effort within India and sometimes overseas, particularly in administrative and support capacities. These roles included working in military hospitals, headquarters, and supply depots.

The corps was organised along military lines, with women holding ranks and subject to military discipline. The conditions of service were comparable to those of male soldiers, though women were typically paid less.

After the war, the WAC(I) was disbanded. Its formation and service represented a significant, though often overlooked, aspect of women's involvement in the war effort in India. The WAC(I) provided opportunities for women to contribute to the war effort in significant ways, challenging traditional gender roles and contributing to the eventual independence of India.