Waitresses wearing gas masks, WWII
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Waitresses wearing gas masks, WWII
Waitresses in a popular London restaurant going about their duties during the early weeks of the Second World War, with gas masks in a tin container worn like a bustle at the back of their waistband. Date: 1939
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14395716
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Canisters Mask Masks Protection Restaurant Waitresses Nippies
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a group of waitresses working diligently in a popular London restaurant during the early days of the Second World War. Dated 1939, the image shows the waitresses going about their duties with a sense of determination and resilience, despite the unusual addition of gas masks hanging from tin containers worn like bustles at the back of their waistbands. As the threat of air raids loomed over the city, restaurants and other public spaces implemented various measures to protect their staff and patrons from the potential hazards of gas attacks. The use of gas masks became a common sight on the British home front, with the government distributing millions of masks to civilians in preparation for possible chemical warfare. The waitresses in this photograph, often referred to as "nippies" or "Nippas," are seen here carrying their masks in the easily accessible canisters, ready to put them on at a moment's notice. Their expression suggests a sense of normalcy and routine, as they continue to serve their customers in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of wartime. This powerful image offers a glimpse into the daily life of Londoners during the early weeks of the Second World War, and the innovative ways in which they adapted to the challenges of the time. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of the British people, and the importance of staying calm and carrying on in the face of adversity.
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