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The Channel Islands and the Great War |
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Channel Islands women served in many different capacities
in the islands, Britain and in or near various war zones. Here are a few examples: The
Women's Legion
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was raised by Lady Londonderry, and first commenced duties on 3rd August 1915.
Their initial task was to supply cooks to the New Army, but later they were employed
on other tasks. When the WAAC was formed in 1917 the cooking
and General Services Sections enrolled in it, but the Motor Transport Section
continued overseas until 1919. | |
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"The group of girls depicted
above belong to the Women's Legion, and went to France on May 5th 1917, in charge
of Miss Campbell (seated in the centre of the second row). They were the first
girls to cook for "Tommy" in France. Upon the left of Miss Campbell
is Miss B. Hamblen, daughter of Mrs Hamblen of 4, Forest Lane. Before joining
the Legion Miss Hamblen was employed in the bakehouse at Le Riche's Stores."
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Munitions Work
Many women
went to work in munitions factories in England. The work was unpleasant, dangerous
and unhealthy but women were encouraged by relatively good pay and the knowledge
that they were "doing their bit" by releasing men to go to the Front.
Miss Dorothy Nicoll of Guernsey was twice decorated for her bravery in "incidents"
(ie explosions) in munitions factories. Unfortunately few medal rolls for munitions
workers are in existence. The picture below shows a family of Guernsey women who
all volunteered for munitions work. |
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"Our photograph shows four daughters of Mr J Coutu of 6, Allez Street
all of whom are employed in various kinds of munitions work in England. Seated
in front is Miss Gladys Coutu, the others from left to right are Miss Edith Coutu,
Mrs Gillingham (née Lilian Coutu) and Miss Aline Coutu." |
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