Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Royalty
W. A. A. F. Officer Lectures, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
W. A. A. F. Officer Lectures, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
W.A.A.F. Officer Lectures, c1943. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II. Its members did not serve as aircrew, but although they did not participate in active combat, they were exposed to the same dangers as any on the home front working at military installations. Among their duties were: crewing of barrage balloons, catering, meteorology, radar, aircraft maintenance, transport, communications duties including wireless telephonic and telegraphic operation. At its peak strength, in 1943, the number of WaFs (members of the force) exceeded 180, 000, with over 2, 000 women enlisting per week. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman, Late Fight Officer W.A.A.F. [Hutchinson & Co Ltd, London, New York, Melbourne, c1943]
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 18324980
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Air Force Beaton Beauman Cecil Beaton Cecil Walter Hardy Class Classroom Katharine Bentley Katharine Bentley Beauman Lecture Lecturer Lecturing Patriotic Patriotism Propaganda Royal Air Force Schoolroom Teach Teacher Teaching Training Training Centre Waaf Waafs 2nd World War Second World War World War 2 World War Two
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> C.B. Hardy
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> North America
> United States of America
> New York
> New York
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photo print, taken by Cecil Beaton in 1943, depicts a W. A. A. F. officer delivering a lecture to her fellow members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WaF). The women in this photograph were not aircrew but played vital roles on the home front during World War II. They faced the same dangers as any military personnel working at installations across Britain. The WaFs' duties encompassed a wide range of responsibilities including crewing barrage balloons, catering, meteorology, radar operation, aircraft maintenance, transport logistics, and communications tasks such as wireless telephonic and telegraphic operations. Despite not engaging in active combat, these brave women made significant contributions to the war effort. At its peak strength in 1943, more than 180,000 dedicated WaFs served their country with over 2,000 women enlisting each week. This image captures the spirit of unity and determination that permeated through their ranks. The classroom setting symbolizes education and training which were crucial for these women to excel in their roles. The lecturer embodies professionalism and patriotism while imparting knowledge upon her attentive audience. Cecil Beaton's powerful composition evokes a sense of pride and admiration for these remarkable individuals who defied societal norms to serve their nation during one of history's darkest periods. This print serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by women like them throughout World War II.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
