Brrr! Members of the final graduating class of WAVES at the Northampton Naval Reserve Midshipman’s School march to their graduation in December 1944.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
The Engine
Aircraft Machinists Mates (WAVES and sailors) alongside an aircraft engine.
The photo comes from the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies, Harvard University.
Looking at the Plane
Aviation Machinist Mates inspect a plane part with a sailor. The photograph comes from the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University.
The Crash
Aviation in World War II was a dangerous business – both in combat and (perhaps even more so) in training. These photographs from the National Archives show just how dangerous aviation training could be.
The wreckage is of a fatal crash of an SNV-1 (of Squadron 2B based at Saufley Field) 100′ north of north end of Lyons Field, FL. Pilot: D.H. Kaufman. Passenger: AVCR. Sample. Both died in the crash, which happened 70 years ago today, December 13, 1944.
Learning the Guns
A WAVE learns to handle a machine gun at NATC Pensacola, FL where she will later teach male gunners the sights. The photo comes from the National Archives.
WAVES in Hawaii
Joy Bright Hancock (left) would be one of the first WAVES in Hawaii, arriving in December 1944. This was the first time WAVES would be based overseas.
The photo comes from the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University.
Inspection
Capt. Mildred H. McAfee, USNR, accompanied by Rear Adm. George S. Bryan, USN, inspects the WAVES on duty at the Hydrographic Office, Suitland, MD. She is saluting the colors as WAVES pass in review.
The photo comes from the National Archives.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Part II
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, visiting to the officer training at Smith College in Northampton, MA with WAVE Commander Mildred McAfee.
The photograph comes from the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies, Harvard University.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was a staunch ally of the WAVES, both advocating for women to be in the military at the same rank and pay as men, and visiting WAVES stations from time to time.
This is a visit to the officer training at Smith College in Northampton, MA.
The photograph comes from the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies, Harvard University.
The Film
One last post to end our series on the film Here Come the WAVES.
We’ll leave you with a quote from the film, an exchange between Rosemary and Susan, twin sisters both played by actress Betty Hutton.
Susan: Only I wish… I wish…
Roemary: What?
Roemary: I wish that I had been born twelve minutes earlier than you, and I’d have had all the brains.
And if you have some time this Sunday, check out the full film, below.
Hinges of History 