The lives of women in London during World War II

The Second World War brought profound changes to people’s lives in Britain, particularly in London. With men being sent to the front, the constant threat of bombing, a shortage of resources, and a pressing need for workers, women’s lives were turned upside down. For many, it was a time of immense resilience and hardship.

The contribution of women during the war was invaluable, from providing medical aid to working in munitions factories. Over 640,000 women served in the armed forces, including a young Princess Elizabeth, who trained as a mechanic and driver and rose to the rank of Junior Commander. Next on londonka.

Women at Work

As thousands of men were conscripted for military service, London’s women had to step up and take on a variety of jobs. More than seven million British women worked in munitions factories, producing essential weaponry like bullets and shells. Women in London also worked as mechanics, engineers, fire engine drivers, and bus drivers, and they were crucial in supervising air raids. While these roles were well-paid, women often worked long hours and had few days off. They also faced significant risks, regularly dealing with dangerous machinery and explosive materials.

Many women were exposed to toxic chemicals daily. Some were even nicknamed “Canaries” because their skin turned yellow from contact with sulphur. Other women were sent to farms, given a uniform, and expected to live on-site to help with the war effort.

Skilled women were paid £2.15 a week, which was half the amount an unskilled male worker would receive. In 1943, women at the Rolls Royce factory went on strike to demand better pay, only to be hit with rotten eggs and accused of being unpatriotic. Despite the backlash, they eventually had their wages raised to the same level as semi-skilled male workers.

Roles in the Armed Forces

With the outbreak of the war, women joined various military and civil units, including the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), and the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). They flew unarmed planes, drove ambulances, served as nurses, and even operated behind enemy lines as part of the European resistance with the Special Operations Executive. Initially, only single women between the ages of 20 and 30 were called up for service, but by mid-1943, nearly 90% of single women and 80% of married women were either working in factories or serving in the armed forces.

In 1939, the Women’s Royal Naval Service was reformed. Women were recruited for shore-based work to free up men for active duty at sea. They also played a vital part in planning and organising naval operations.

Women in London also joined volunteer organisations such as the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS), the largest volunteer group in British history. They provided crucial support to civilians during air raids, setting up rest centres, and providing food and medical aid. They also handled the evacuation and rehousing of children and helped pregnant women and the elderly.

Life During the Blitz

From the autumn of 1940, London was hit by massive and sustained aerial attacks known as the Blitz. London was a prime target, and the bombings left countless people dead, injured, or homeless. September 7, 1940, became known as “Black Saturday”, when hundreds of German planes dropped bombs on the city. 430 people were killed and 1,600 were wounded, but this was only the beginning. London was attacked for 57 consecutive days, and regular bombings continued for several months, spreading to other cities across the country. The most intense raid took place on the night of May 10, 1941, causing enormous fires. Over 1,500 people died, and 11,000 houses were destroyed.

Women at Home

With men away at war, many women were left to raise their children and run the household on their own. For many young women, it was the first time they had been away from home and their families. In their new surroundings, they looked after children and learned to adapt to new challenges. Despite their domestic duties, women still had to go to work and search for food under strict rationing and fuel shortages. The queues for food were often long, and rationing rules were tight.

Providing housing for people after the bombings was a huge challenge, as so many homes had been destroyed. People had to either take in evacuees or live in shelters. Children in bomb shelters continued their studies, supported one another, and even took turns helping their mothers at night. London women sought refuge in the Underground, cooked meals and made tea, comforted their children, and helped clear the rubble after a raid.

The Second World War irrevocably changed the lives of London’s women. They worked in factories, raised children, served in the armed forces, and volunteered. Their contribution to the city was priceless. While life gradually returned to normal after the war, the experience forever changed Londoners and reshaped the role of women. Today, stories and museums across the city serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and victories made during the war.