When your old kettle was converted into a Spitfire
Today we pay tribute to the sometimes unsung work carried out by women during the Second World War.
By 1941 one million women belonged to the Women’s Voluntary Service. They had proved their worth during the blitz but then came the Battle of the Atlantic and the devastating toll of merchant ships sunk by U-boats which led to dire shortages in Britain.
The WVS did all it could to help collect material for the war effort such as aluminium pots and pans which could be melted down and used to build ships or planes. They also taught people not to waste what they had.
Each WVS centre had its own Salvage Officer and Food Leader. The latter did whatever was required to help the authorities in the complicated task of food rationing. Educational pamphlets were produced and lectures held.
The WVS organised campaigns such as Salute the Soldier, Wings for Victory, Spitfire Funds and Warship Week.