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Women as war-time firemen in their bunks
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Women as war-time firemen in their bunks
Members of the Womens Volunteer Reserve in bunks at the Holborn Union Workhouse for aged women, due to being in attendance day and night for duty. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14140288
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Attendance Bunks Duty Firewomen Holborn Jobs Reserve Role Roles Sleeping Volunteer Volunteers Workhouse Firemen Officers
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of respite for the brave women of the Women's Volunteer Reserve (WVR), who served as firefighters during World War I. The image was taken in 1916 at the Holborn Union Workhouse for Aged Women, where these dedicated volunteers slept between their day and night shifts. The WVR was formed in response to the increasing demand for labor in the London Fire Brigade during the war. With many men away at the front, women stepped up to fill the gap, taking on roles previously held exclusively by men. These firewomen underwent rigorous training and were soon putting their new skills to use, attending to fires and other emergencies across the city. Despite the challenges and hardships of their new jobs, the women of the WVR remained committed to their duty. In this photograph, they are seen here in their bunks, exhausted but determined, ready to face another day of service. The officers, also women, are pictured among them, ensuring their team is well-rested and prepared for the demands of the job. This historical photograph offers a glimpse into the vital role women played on the home front during World War I. Their contributions to the war effort, including their work as firefighters, have often been overlooked, but this image serves as a powerful reminder of their bravery and determination in the face of adversity.
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