Kate Adie

Kate Adie’s detailed examination of the myriad ways in which the lives of women changed during the First World War offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and political upheaval of the period. It wasn’t that women hadn’t been pushing for change in the old order: the suffrage movement was gaining momentum and industrialisation was opening up new opportunities. However, the advent of war and its voracious need for men to fight on the Front, meant that women from all walks of life stepped up to do a wide range of jobs which had traditionally be done by men. They were also used, in a cynical way some could argue, via a poster campaign which encouraged men to fight for their country – suddenly the power of the female voice was being recognised! Many women were keen to use these new opportunities to break free from the shackles of a paternalistic, chauvinistic and stifling society and to play their part in fighting the enemy. However, they also had to fight against dismissive attitudes on the home front, from politicians and from the employers and the unions. Not only was there the issue of what they should be paid (certainly not as much as men were paid!) but they were constantly reminded that these jobs were only “for the duration” and that, once the war was over, the men would replace them. There were also some lines which couldn’t be crossed – for instance, the women were allowed to clean the trains but not to drive them ….. chauvinism and prejudice were still alive and kicking! Nevertheless, the fact was that, in so many ways, the genie was out of the bottle and life would never be the same again, for either men or women.
Kate Adie’s exploration of the complexities of these changes was impressive, highlighting some things which I hadn’t previously given thought to. One example being that a successful and popular campaign for volunteer knitters to provide items such as socks, gloves, scarves etc. for the troops was regarded as a major threat to the jobs of textile workers. She also highlighted, through well-researched examples, many instances of incredible bravery, of women risking their own lives and yet their exploits were seen as “plucky” and “splendid” rather than “brave” – another reflection of the paternalistic attitudes of the time! She told the story of Flora Sandes (probably my favourite character in the book), an ambulance volunteer who eventually fought with the Serbian army, thus becoming the only woman to officially fight in the war. I had never heard of her and yet she is still regarded by Serbs as a national hero!
This book is full of wonderful examples of the roles women adopted during this period, of neglected heroes and of the ways in which the lives of people on the home front were frequently in danger, either through the work they did or as a result of Zeppelin raids which brought death and destruction. There were times when, partly as a result of the chapter- construction of the story, I found some of the themes and observations repetitious, but overall this is a very well-written account of a fascinating period.… (more)