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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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The Womens Legion 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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