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RAILWAYWOMEN
THE FIRST WORLD WAR
WOMEN PORTERS AT SOMERS TOWN,
MIDLAND RAILWAY, c.1917
At St Pancras and Somers Town, Midland Railway, several hundred women
shifted goods between wagons and drays, overseen by two 'matrons'.
The work was so heavy that the company gave illustrated lectures on
safe lifting practices. Edwardian women did not wear trousers,
but contemporary feminine clothing proved unsuitable for the work.
The Midland let women choose their uniform and they opted for breeches
and a long jacket, which the manager pronounced "unorthodox but serviceable".
Porters loading a train.
Porter and her Matron.
The group takes a well earned break.
Porters dealing with heavy crates.
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