Home > Historic > World War I and II > Historical events
Ats Girl Cleans Up
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Ats Girl Cleans Up
An Auxilliary Territorial Services (A.T.S.) girl making do with a tin of paraffin and sawdust to remove grease from her hands when she comes off duty Date: 1940s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14286456
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Cleans Duty Grease Hands Paraffin Remove Routine Sawdust Services Territorial
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the determination and resourcefulness of an ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Services) girl during the 1940s. The image shows a young woman in her uniform, sitting on the edge of a wooden barrel, diligently cleaning her grease-stained hands using a makeshift solution of paraffin and sawdust. The Second World War had brought about a significant shift in gender roles, with women stepping up to support the war effort in various ways, including joining the ATS. The ATS was an all-female auxiliary military unit of the British Army, responsible for performing non-combatant duties. These duties ranged from cooking and clerical work to driving vehicles and operating anti-aircraft guns. Despite the demanding nature of their work, these women were expected to maintain a certain level of appearance and cleanliness, even when off duty. In this photograph, the ATS girl's uniform is still visible, indicating that she has just come off duty. Her expression is focused and determined, as she makes do with the limited resources available to her to ensure her hands are clean. The use of paraffin and sawdust was a common method used during this time to remove grease and grime. The sawdust acted as an abrasive to help scrub away the dirt, while the paraffin provided a barrier between the skin and the rough sawdust, preventing irritation. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the daily routines and sacrifices made by women during the Second World War. It also highlights the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, as these women adapted to their new roles and responsibilities with grace and determination.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
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.
