Woman Barrage Balloon Operator serving with the WAAF in WWII - shiny black rubber mac and matching sou'wester.

[rothbhoy]

Something a little different! I came across this yesterday and thought it might be of interest to some of our members.

Image from 'Getty Images'. URL: https://postimg.cc/LgpRZYVC

Photograph: 'Balloon Operator', circa 1943. Woman in waterproofs operating a barrage balloon. The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), whose members were referred to as 'WAAFs', was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II. Its members did not serve as aircrew, but although they did not participate in active combat, they were exposed to the same dangers as any on the home front working at military installations. Among their duties were: crewing of barrage balloons, catering, meteorology, radar, aircraft maintenance, transport, communications duties including wireless telephonic and telegraphic operation. At its peak strength, in 1943, the number of WAAFs (members of the force) exceeded 180,000, with over 2,000 women enlisting per week.

[Rainworshipper]

Thanks for the post, that mac looks very shiny.
Talking of WW2, I once saw a photo of woman who was in the auxiliary fire brigade wearing a shiny suit, it might have been green or light blue. The image has stuck in my mind over the years.

[bethbennett202]

Something a little different! I came across this yesterday and thought it might be of interest to some of our members.

Image from 'Getty Images'. URL: https://postimg.cc/LgpRZYVC

Photograph: 'Balloon Operator', circa 1943. Woman in waterproofs operating a barrage balloon. The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), whose members were referred to as 'WAAFs', was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II. Its members did not serve as aircrew, but although they did not participate in active combat, they were exposed to the same dangers as any on the home front working at military installations. Among their duties were: crewing of barrage balloons, catering, meteorology, radar, aircraft maintenance, transport, communications duties including wireless telephonic and telegraphic operation. At its peak strength, in 1943, the number of WAAFs (members of the force) exceeded 180,000, with over 2,000 women enlisting per week.

I've got s mac in that colour but it's for sailors really. It's called a great Yarmouth oilskin.

[wetrainwear]

Great photo love it

[rothbhoy]

Thanks for the post, that mac looks very shiny.
Talking of WW2, I once saw a photo of woman who was in the auxiliary fire brigade wearing a shiny suit, it might have been green or light blue. The image has stuck in my mind over the years.

Cheers Rainworshipper - you're most welcome.

[rothbhoy]

Something a little different! I came across this yesterday and thought it might be of interest to some of our members.

Image from 'Getty Images'. URL: https://postimg.cc/LgpRZYVC

Photograph: 'Balloon Operator', circa 1943. Woman in waterproofs operating a barrage balloon. The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), whose members were referred to as 'WAAFs', was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II. Its members did not serve as aircrew, but although they did not participate in active combat, they were exposed to the same dangers as any on the home front working at military installations. Among their duties were: crewing of barrage balloons, catering, meteorology, radar, aircraft maintenance, transport, communications duties including wireless telephonic and telegraphic operation. At its peak strength, in 1943, the number of WAAFs (members of the force) exceeded 180,000, with over 2,000 women enlisting per week.

I've got s mac in that colour but it's for sailors really. It's called a great Yarmouth oilskin.

That's a new 'un on me! I've heard of a Lowestoft sou-wester but never a Great Yarmouth oilskin. Tha learns summat new ivry day, as they say....

[rothbhoy]

Great photo love it

Hi Wetrainwear! Glad you enjoyed the post!

[rothbhoy]

Thanks for the post, that mac looks very shiny.
Talking of WW2, I once saw a photo of woman who was in the auxiliary fire brigade wearing a shiny suit, it might have been green or light blue. The image has stuck in my mind over the years.

"I once saw a photo of woman who was in the auxiliary fire brigade wearing a shiny suit, it might have been green or light blue. The image has stuck in my mind over the years".

Hi Rainworshipper! If you ever find it I would love to see an upload of it here on the Forum.