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Wwii / W a A F / Gas Masks
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Wwii / W a A F / Gas Masks
Members of the Womens Auxilary Air Force during an exercise in using their gas masks. Date: 1939 - 1945
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Media ID 14283396
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1945 Exercise Masks Members Services
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a group of brave and determined members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during an exercise in the use of gas masks, a crucial skill for survival during the turbulent times of World War II. The image, dated between 1939 and 1945, offers a poignant glimpse into the daily life of these women who played a vital role in the British war effort. The WAAF was established in March 1939, initially to provide administrative and clerical support to the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force. However, as the war progressed, their roles expanded to include roles in radar, meteorology, and even air traffic control. With the threat of chemical warfare looming, the WAAF were trained to use gas masks to protect themselves from potential attacks. The women in this photograph are seen wearing their gas masks with a sense of purpose and focus, their expressions revealing a mixture of concentration and resolve. The scene is set in a dimly lit room, with the women seated at long tables, each one holding a gas mask in her hands. The atmosphere is tense, yet there is a sense of solidarity and camaraderie among the women, as they prepare themselves for the challenges that lay ahead. This photograph is an important reminder of the crucial contributions made by the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during World War II. Their dedication and bravery in the face of danger helped to ensure the success of the RAF and the eventual Allied victory. The image also serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of women in times of crisis, and their ability to rise to the occasion and make a difference in the most challenging of circumstances.
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