In this 1943 photograph, WAVES march in the snow to their training. Note the perfect formation (even in snow!) and the WAVE standing in command at the far left. It comes from the National Archives.
Tag Archives: WW2
January 5, 1943
In this photograph from the National Archives, WAVES at NAAF Treasure Island march in formation. The photo is from seventy years ago today.
Metalsmith Training
In this photograph from 1943, WAVES are in the midst of a four-month training course at NATTC, Norman, Oklahoma. They are receiving training that will let them become Aviation Metalsmiths to maintain Naval airplanes.
The photograph comes from the National Archives.
Accentuate the Positive
Here Come the WAVES debuted Christmas week, 1944. “Accentuate the Positive” was the musical number that was the biggest hit from the film. It was nominated for an Academy Award as best original song in 1945.
Betty Hutton, part II
Betty Hutton as WAVE Rosemary Allison (she also played Rosemary’s twin sister Susie) in the film Here Come the WAVES. The film debuted during Christmas week 1944 and was shot on location at the Naval Air Station in San Diego. Rosemary was an air traffic controller in the film.
Betty Hutton
Betty Hutton as WAVE trainee Susie Allison (she also played Susie’s twin sister Rosemary) in the film Here Come the WAVES. The film debuted during Christmas week 1944 and was shot on location at the WAVES Boot Camp at Hunter College in the Bronx.
Disappointment
WAVE Dot Forbes remembers being disappointed when she finally saw her film debut in the movie Here Come the WAVES.
When we got to see the movie, there were a couple of little clips before the movie ever started and that was it! (laughs). I thought, “All of that and in that heat,” it was like 90 degree heat and you’re in wool serge, blue serge, it was just (laughs). Scottie and I shake our heads when we think back. But we did it, because you do what you were told and all.
The still of WAVES marching at Hunter College is from the Paramount picture Here Comes the WAVES. It premiered during Christmas Week, 1944.
Marching, marching, marching
WAVE Dot Forbes was in this sea of women during the filming of Here Come the WAVES at Hunter College in the Bronx.
This was June in New York City. We had to wear our Navy blue uniforms. Serge, wool serge. Marching. And I don’t — I hated the song that Johnny Mercer wrote. I thought I’ll never hear or listen to another one of his songs. We had to sing it over and over and over and over and over. Of course, I realize today what’s involved in editing and they had to do.
The still is from the Paramount picture Here Comes the WAVES. It premiered during Christmas Week, 1944.
On Location
Here Come the WAVES previewed at the WAVES boot camp training facility at Hunter College and at the Naval Air Station in San Diego before the film’s premiere in New York City. The reason? The film was shot on location at the two facilities (as seen in the film still above) with WAVES acting as extras.
Merry Christmas!
May all of your holidays be safe and and happy.
This 1940s-era Christmas card comes from the collection of Liana Galvin.
Hinges of History 