Female Railway Workers in World War II

New original research giving an overall historical background of female railway workers in World War Two.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 03 August 2018
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

During World War II, women embraced novel roles on the railways, venturing into previously male-dominated domains. They assumed responsibilities as porters, guards, and maintenance and workshop workers, both on the permanent way and in these critical operations. In her book, Susan Major presents captivating accounts of women's wartime railway experiences through interviews conducted by the Friends of the National Railway Museum. These interviews offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these women, who were often working in traditionally male-occupied positions or engaging in work alongside men for the first time. It is intriguing to compare their voices with the portrayal of women in official publicity campaigns and in the context of the societal attitudes towards women in the 1940s. These women openly discuss their challenges in a workplace not initially designed for them, such as the lack of toilets, the reactions of their families, their thoughts about American GIs and Italian POWs, their coping mechanisms with swearing and problematic colleagues, and the strict rules regarding stockings. They recount devastating air raids and the sudden imposition of challenging responsibilities upon them. This book fills a significant gap in the literature, as most books on women's wartime roles primarily focus on the military services or industrial work. It provides invaluable insights into the perceptions and concerns of these young women, shedding light on their experiences during a tumultuous period in history. As the generations pass and direct connections with these women fade, it becomes increasingly important to preserve their voices and share them with a broader audience. By doing so, we can better understand the contributions and sacrifices made by women during World War II and beyond.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526703088