‘Send us more arms!’ Bringing British women into war production through films in World War Two

We analyse four propaganda films designed to support women’s conscription into British arms production in 1941–1942, examining their approach and comparing that to women’s lived experience on entry to factories. The films recognised minor difficulties, stressed the support network available and the need for sacrifice. They sought to inspire but provided little information on matters important to women. In the factories, women experienced a range of substantive issues. While the propaganda was immediately successful in its main aim, its lacunae were significant since these issues generated increasing industrial conflict led by women.