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Female stewardess, 1917
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Female stewardess, 1917
A Dining Car Waitress in her crisp white apron stands in the doorway of dining car No. 9546 on Platform 2, Paddington Station in 1917. Rail travel during the war was not just restricted to essential journeys. Travel for pleasure continued according to Mr Guy Calthrop, General Manager of the London and North Western Railway, who was asked to represent all of the railway companies before the Man Power Distribution Board. In his report of October 1916 Mr Calthrop stated that there is an enormous amount of " joy-riding" on railways at the present time ; and facilities such as on-board dining for long journeys were as integral to the service the GWR offered its customers as before the war began
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 8500781
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
Female First World War Paddington Woman Dining Car Stewardess
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print from 1917, we catch a glimpse of a female stewardess standing proudly in the doorway of dining car No. 9546 on Platform 2 at Paddington Station. Dressed in her crisp white apron, she exudes elegance and professionalism as she serves passengers during the tumultuous times of World War I. While rail travel was primarily reserved for essential journeys during the war, Mr Guy Calthrop, General Manager of the London and North Western Railway, emphasized that pleasure travel continued to thrive. In his report of October 1916, he highlighted the significant amount of "joy-riding" taking place on railways at that time. The GWR (Great Western Railway) understood the importance of providing exceptional service to its customers even amidst wartime constraints. On-board dining facilities were integral to their commitment to passenger satisfaction before and throughout the war. This photograph captures not only a moment frozen in time but also represents an era when rail travel offered respite from daily hardships. It reminds us that even during challenging times like World War I, people sought moments of joy and escape through leisurely journeys across picturesque landscapes. Preserved by STEAM Museum of the GWR, this image allows us to appreciate both the dedication and resilience displayed by railway staff who served with grace and dignity while ensuring passengers experienced comfort and enjoyment along their travels.
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