RootsChat.Com

Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Siamese Girl on Saturday 13 April 13 11:55 BST (UK)

Title: 1918 Photograph
Post by: Siamese Girl on Saturday 13 April 13 11:55 BST (UK)
Can anyone throw any light on this photo? The wording on the back is "Doll aged 15 1918" She came from a large family who lived in south London. I guess she is wearing some kind of uniform/overalls and briefly did some kind of war work but the family are not aware that she did anything like that only that her first job was working in the accounts department of Sainsburys. I've looked online for women factory/ammunition workers in the war but haven't found anything that looks similar. I'm beginning to wonder if it was fancy dress.

Any suggestions will be gratefully received.

Carole
Title: Re: 1918 Photograph
Post by: genechaser on Saturday 13 April 13 12:19 BST (UK)
Hi Carole

Take a look at this site.

http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/womenww1_four.htm
Title: Re: 1918 Photograph
Post by: Treetotal on Saturday 13 April 13 12:50 BST (UK)
Nice one Genechaser...I think you've nailed it 8)
Carol
Title: Re: 1918 Photograph
Post by: sadler32 on Saturday 13 April 13 16:10 BST (UK)
Hi Carole

I think you were right about the war work prior to going to Sainsburys. She seems to be wearing a type E suit - (see http://www.archive.org/details/protectiveclothi00grearich ) which would suggest that she was involved in metal working or handling machinery rather than chemicals.

Regards Simon.

Title: Re: 1918 Photograph
Post by: Siamese Girl on Saturday 13 April 13 16:58 BST (UK)
Thank you - E does look the closest to what she is wearing - it just seems unusual - and quite daring -  for women to be wearing a proper overall. Mostly, when women at that time wore trousers they wore a longish length jacket or tunic over the top. I assume to make their dress look more modest.

Carole