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Women queueing for Auxiliary Air Force posts, September 1939
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Women queueing for Auxiliary Air Force posts, September 1939
Women in London queueing for posts in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force, a few weeks after the outbreak of war. The WaF was founded by the King in June 1939 and designed to replace male RAF workers in non-combative roles with women to allow more men to be sent to the front. The Sphere lists some of the jobs on offer to women including; telephonists, mess staff, teleprinters and fabric workers. Date: 1939
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Media ID 23269148
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Auxiliary Females Forces Jul19 Waaf Worker
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in time as women from all walks of life queue patiently in the streets of London during September 1939. The scene unfolds just a few weeks after the outbreak of World War II, and the women are eager to join the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), a newly formed branch of the Royal Air Force (RAF) designed to fill non-combatant roles previously held by men. With the onset of war, there was an urgent need to free up men for active duty, and the WAAF provided an essential solution. The King had founded the WAAF in June 1939, and the roles on offer to these women were diverse and included telephonists, mess staff, teleprinters, and fabric workers. As the photograph reveals, the demand for women to join the WAAF was high, and the queue stretched for miles. The women, dressed in their best attire, displayed a sense of determination and resolve, knowing that their contribution would be vital to the war effort. The WAAF played a significant role during World War II, with over 180,000 women serving in various capacities. Their duties ranged from clerical work and cooking to radio communication and aircraft maintenance. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made by women during this pivotal period in history. The courage and resilience of these women, who answered the call to duty, continue to inspire us today.
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