The Emsworth Community Centre was full for a talk given about “The Triangle Girls” by Cheryl Jewitt and Ian Barbeary from Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust, celebrating the role of women in their contribution to World War One.
Following the start of male conscription in 1916 women workers were conscripted and took over the jobs and responsibilities of the men of Portsmouth Dockyard in their absence as the men became involved with fighting in the war. The women showed a strength of duty and resilience.
Before the war only 15 women worked in the dockyard but as the War continued many women joined the dockyard work force and were identified by a distinctive triangular shaped badge bearing the inscription “On War Service”, hence the title “The Triangle Girls”. There was only one photograph taken of them and that was from the air although their numbers increased throughout the war, The women often became firm friends and many married soldiers.
An excellent lecture was concluded with questions and answers from members of the audience.
Sue Young
