WW1 - Titled Women Munitions Workers
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
WW1 - Titled Women Munitions Workers
The first contingent of Titled Society ladies who volunteered to work for Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim as shell makers. In this group are Lady Gertrude Crawford, sister of the Earl of Sefton; Lady Gatacre, Lady Colebrooke, Mrs Pearson, Mrs Greig and other well-known ladies. The caption details that delicacy of manipulation is a feminine instinct and therefore the work is certainly not unsuitable ! In August 1915, Eve in The Tatler was also listing some of the new workers at the Vickers factory: " Erith is the latest craze. Here, at Messrs. Vickers, a gallant band of women are really doing it. Not just playing about, you know, but living at a hostel and taking the regular rate of pay I think its not quite enough to pay for two stalls at the newest revue each week. Lady Gertrude Crawford and Lady Colebrooke are among the toilers, and Lady Gatacre too Lady Scott, Captain Scotts widow, is also working at this particular factory, but hers is skilled electrical work. (*Kathleen Bruce, Lady Scott, spent much of 1917 manufacturing electrical coils at the factory. She also devoted time establishing an ambulance service in France, working at the Ministry of Pensions and, in 1918, put her talent as a sculptor to use helping to reconstruct the faces of wounded soldiers). Vickers are willing to take a lot more women to train during the week-ends so as to have them ready for work at the new munition factories, for there wont be enough men to go round, Im told." Date: 1915
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14190216
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Ammunition Artillery Casings Contingent Crawford Gertrude Greig Munition Munitions Pearson Pose Sefton Shell Shells Titled Colebrooke
EDITORS COMMENTS
Women Munitions Workers: Pioneering Ladies of Titled Society at Vickers, Sons and Maxim This evocative photograph captures a group of esteemed ladies from the titled society, who defied societal norms and volunteered to work as shell makers at Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim during World War I. Among these trailblazing women are Lady Gertrude Crawford, sister of the Earl of Sefton; Lady Gatacre; Lady Colebrooke; Mrs Pearson, and Mrs Greig. The caption asserts that the delicacy of manipulation is a feminine instinct, implying that this work is not only suitable but also a natural fit for these women. In August 1915, The Tatler reported on these new workers at the Vickers factory, stating that they were not merely playing a part but were genuinely contributing to the war effort. Lady Gertrude Crawford, Lady Colebrooke, and Lady Gatacre were among those mentioned, with Lady Gatacre undertaking skilled electrical work. Another notable figure, Kathleen Bruce, Lady Scott, was also featured, as she spent much of 1917 manufacturing electrical coils at the factory. In addition to her factory work, Lady Scott devoted time to establishing an ambulance service in France, working at the Ministry of Pensions, and using her talent as a sculptor to help reconstruct the faces of wounded soldiers. Vickers welcomed more women to train during weekends to prepare them for work at the new munition factories, as it was anticipated that there would not be enough men to meet the demand. These women's courage and determination to contribute to the war effort in this way proved that titles and societal expectations could not hinder their commitment to the greater good.
MADE IN THE USA
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 Cart.
