Green’s Dictionary of Slang

war (and strife) n.

one’s wife.

1900		Bulletin (Sydney) 28 July 17/1: Thought he meant his wife. / 1st man:– ‘Well, how’s the War?’ / 2nd man:– ‘O’ she’s all right, how’s yours?’.
1930		(con. 1914–18) Brophy & Partridge Songs and Sl. of the British Soldier.
1960		J. Franklyn Dict. of Rhy. Sl.
1972		Dodson & Saczek Dict. of Cockney Rhy. Sl.