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Servicemen drinking tea from a refreshment trolley on Paddington station, during WWII
Filename: W6 031 Refreshment trolley servicemen WWII.jpg
Size: 1809 x 2568 (1.2MB)
Date: 11th March 2014
Source: STEAM Museum of the GWR
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum
Servicemen drinking tea from a refreshment trolley on Paddington station, during WWII
A member of Refreshment Department staff serving tea to servicemen from her platform trolley at Paddington Station is the feature of this official photograph taken in 1943. Despite the fact that numerous official photographs featuring women at work were taken by the Company Photographer during the war, it is noticeable how much less they are featured in the Company Magazine than in the previous war. An indication, perhaps, that the employment of women was no longer being regarded at a novelty
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 14547102
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
1940s 1943 London Paddington Refreshment Staff Station Trolley World War Ii Servicemen
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> People
> Passengers
> People
> War Workers
> The Railway at War
> Second World War
> Stations and Halts
> London Stations
> Paddington Station
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a heartwarming scene amidst the chaos of World War II. In 1943, at Paddington Station in London, servicemen find solace and respite as they enjoy a momentary escape from the harsh realities of war. A member of the Refreshment Department staff serves them tea with utmost care and dedication from her platform trolley. What makes this photograph particularly intriguing is its historical context. During the war, numerous official photographs were taken by the Company Photographer featuring women at work. However, it is striking to observe that these images were less prominently featured in the Company Magazine compared to previous conflicts. This subtle shift suggests that employing women was no longer seen as a novelty but rather an integral part of wartime efforts. The image itself exudes a sense of camaraderie and unity among those present on that bustling station platform. The servicemen, clad in their uniforms, share stories and laughter over steaming cups of tea while finding comfort in each other's company. As we gaze upon this snapshot frozen in time, we are reminded not only of the sacrifices made during WWII but also of humanity's resilience and ability to find moments of joy amidst adversity. It serves as a poignant reminder that even during times of turmoil, simple acts like sharing tea can provide much-needed solace and connection for those who serve our nation bravely.
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