On This Day, 24 August 1918

Birmingham Mail 

Saturday 24 August 1918

WOMEN AND THE WAR.

5,000 WANTED FOR THE AMERICAN ARMY

Efforts are being made in Birmingham to obtain more recruits for the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps. A large number of lady clerks are wanted for the British forces in England and France, as well as 5,000 to serve with the American Army. The hope is entertained that all women who are not engaged in work of national importance or urgent household duties should consider whether they cannot be of service to the nation either as clerks or in a domestic capacity. An office has been opened at the Council House, Birmingham, at which information may be obtained. It should be pointed out that arrangements have been made by which well-educated middle-class girls may serve together in what will be known as “pals’ battalions.” ‘There are at present no vacancies for officers.

A women clerk is paid a minimum wage of 31s. 6d. per week, and this amount increased according to efficiency. In the case of a shorthand-typist the maximum is 45s. per week. The girls are required mainly for service in orderly rooms, at the training and convalescent camps in this country, and at the base camps in France. A girl cannot be accepted for the Q.M.A.A.C. until she is 18 years of age, and she is not eligible to go abroad until she is 20 years of age. No definite obligation is, however, imposed upon her in respect to foreign service.

The work done is of an interesting character, and should appeal to woman of reasonably good education. Ex-elementary schoolgirls are accepted as clerks, providing they have had some little clerical experience, and where necessary free training in a clerical school is provided, full pay being given during the period of training. The members the corps are provided with uniform without cost, but from their weekly pay 14s. per week is deducted to cover the cost of board, lodging, and laundry.