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Flight Mechanics; Also a W. A. A. F. Trade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
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Flight Mechanics; Also a W. A. A. F. Trade, c1943. Creator: Cecil Beaton
Flight Mechanics; Also a W.A.A.F. Trade, c1943. British Royal Air Force mechanics working on aircraft during World War II. The Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WaF), whose members were referred to as WaFs, was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II. Its members did not serve as aircrew, but although they did not participate in active combat, they were exposed to the same dangers as any on the home front working at military installations. Among their duties were: crewing of barrage balloons, catering, meteorology, radar, aircraft maintenance, transport, communications duties including wireless telephonic and telegraphic operation. At its peak strength, in 1943, the number of WaFs (members of the force) exceeded 180, 000, with over 2, 000 women enlisting per week. From " Wings On Her Shoulders", by Katharine Bentley Beauman, Late Fight Officer W.A.A.F. [Hutchinson & Co Ltd, London, New York, Melbourne, c1943]
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Media ID 18324866
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Air Force Air Transport Aircraft Beaton Beauman Cecil Beaton Cecil Walter Hardy Checking Crew Engine Equipment Katharine Bentley Katharine Bentley Beauman Ladder Maintenance Mechanic Patriotic Patriotism Preparation Preparations Preparing Propaganda Propeller Propellers Propellor Royal Air Force 2nd World War Second World War World War 2 World War Two
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photo print, titled "Flight Mechanics; Also a W. A. A. F. Trade" by Cecil Beaton, takes us back to the heart of World War II. The image showcases a group of dedicated British Royal Air Force mechanics diligently working on aircraft during this tumultuous period in history. The focus of the photograph is not only on their skilled craftsmanship but also on the significant role played by the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (W. A. A. F. ), whose members were affectionately referred to as WaFs. These brave women served as an essential support system for the RAF, undertaking various crucial tasks that contributed to the war effort. Although they did not engage in active combat like their male counterparts, these remarkable women faced similar dangers while working at military installations on the home front. Their responsibilities ranged from crewing barrage balloons and catering to meteorology, radar operation, aircraft maintenance, transport logistics, and communications duties such as wireless telephonic and telegraphic operations. During its peak strength in 1943, more than 180,000 courageous WaFs enlisted in this force with over 2,000 women joining per week. This powerful image serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication and resilience amidst challenging circumstances. Through this snapshot frozen in time by Cecil Beaton's lens and accompanied by excerpts from Katharine Bentley Beauman's book "Wings On Her Shoulders" we are reminded of the invaluable contributions made by these unsung heroes who played an integral part in shaping history during one of humanity's darkest hours.
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