A Woman's Wartime Journey: From Suffragist to Factory Worker

A Woman's Wartime Journey

London, December 12, 1917

My Dearest Sister,

I hope this letter finds you and your family well, and that you are managing the farm despite your husband and son's absence.

Here in London, rationing is stricter than ever, but I am keeping well and have ways of obtaining enough food through the black market. I am now employed at my husband's factory, ensuring his job remains secure until his return.

Many women from my organization have found similar work. Some are working in their husbands' offices, while others have taken on unexpected roles like grave diggers, road layers, and bus drivers. A few are even considering joining the Salvation Army, hoping to serve as nurses, cooks, or helpers in France.

Our lives have changed drastically. We began as part of the suffragist movement, advocating for our rights and challenging the limitations imposed on us without our husbands' or fathers' consent. Our initial goal was simply to gain the right to vote, and we organized both peaceful and, at times, more disruptive demonstrations.

However, our focus has shifted. With the war against Germany, we felt compelled to support our country. We encouraged men to enlist, and when factory production faltered, we stepped in to fill the gap. Initially, only wives of workers were employed, but now any woman can contribute. We feel a strong sense of purpose in aiding our nation's efforts.

A Hard-Won Victory

Amidst these challenging times, there is wonderful news! Our efforts for suffrage have finally borne fruit. Next year, women will have the right to vote! While there are some restrictions—women must be over 30 and either married or homeowners—this represents a significant victory after years of struggle.

I pray for the safe return of all our men and send my love to you.

Berlin, November 1920

Dear Father,

I hope this letter finds you and Mother in good health. Here in Berlin, the devastation is immense, not only in the physical destruction of buildings but also in the lack of resources for rebuilding. As you know, the Treaty of Versailles, signed last year, places the blame for the war squarely on Germany's shoulders. We have lost territories, our army has been reduced, and the reparation payments to the Allies seem endless.

The people of Berlin feel humiliated, and some seek revenge. A new group, the Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, is gaining prominence. I have a sense of foreboding about this group; they are constantly causing trouble and threatening foreigners.

I hope we can reunite soon.

From the Trenches

Dear Father,

I miss you and Mother terribly and hope you are both well.

I am writing to you with a heavy heart. Yesterday was a grim day; many young men from the first regiment did not return, and those who did were severely injured. We are all filled with a sense of dread about what lies ahead.

Our daily routine involves refilling sandbags, repairing duckboards, and draining the trenches. To maintain morale, we talk about home, sing songs, and promise to look out for one another.

To give you a sense of my surroundings, I am writing from a trench—a long, deep, and wide hole in the ground. It is constantly wet and muddy, with walls supported by wooden logs and sandbags piled at the top for protection. There are no proper sleeping quarters, but I have a small “bolt hole” in the wall where I can lie down.

The trenches are protected by barbed wire entanglements to prevent enemy infiltration, and lookouts are posted at all times.

Besides the enemy, we face other threats. Rats are rampant, and we must guard our meager food supplies from them. Lice are another constant concern, as they can cause high fevers.

Trench foot is also a serious risk. Caused by cold, wet socks and boots, it can lead to amputation if not treated promptly. We are instructed to keep our feet dry and change our socks frequently.

Do not worry, Father. I will take care of myself and hope to see you again once we have defeated the Germans.