A Blog About Women Who Were Homefront Heroines: the WAVES of World War II
WAVES at Pensacola, Florida, instruct Naval cadets in the proper use of oxygen equipment via a low pressure chamber. The unidentified WAVE in this photo mans the observation post. She communicates with those inside the chamber using the microphone.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
The Iowave from November 26, 1943. Top headline of the day: the impressive support for War Bonds at the Yeoman training school at Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls.
The photograph comes from the archives of Northern Iowa University.
WAVE recruits Mary Elizabeth Crockett (left) and Mary Elizabeth Nelson (right) are leaving San Diego for boot camp at Hunter College, the Bronx, New York, in November 1943.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
WAVE Seaman Eloise Hare of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is in training for Yeomen at NTS Stillwater, Oklahoma. She’s the subject of admiring glances from the locals. The girls standing neatly at parade rest are Carolyn Whitney, Frema Ruth Harris, and Catherin Harris, all of Stillwater.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
WAVE Link Trainer Operator Katherine Dillon uses a radio range chart on the Link flight simulation machine at NAS St. Louis. If the pilot becomes lost on the chart, Dillon points out his mistake.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
Aviation cadets at NAS St. Louis use the range finder and other gunnery equipment to become skilled marksmen. They’re learning from Navy WAVES, who are showing the fighter pilots how to estimate correct lead time before opening fire on an enemy bomber.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
WAVE officers of the Bureau of Ships qualify for the Navy Expert Pistol Medal on the Marine Pistol Range at Quantico. The photograph comes from the National Archives.
WAVES Captain Mildred McAfee and Captain Gordon Underwood review the new WAVE officers during graduation ceremonies at Smith College, Northampton, MA, on November 16, 1943.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
WAVES Captain Mildred McAfee addresses the new WAVE officers during graduation ceremonies at Smith College, Northampton, MA, November 16, 1943.
The Photograph comes from the National Archives.
WAVES pass in formation during graduation ceremonies for officers at Smith College in Northampton, MA, November 16, 1943. WAVE captain Mildred McAfee salutes as the officers pass.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
Hinges of History 