大象传媒

This story has been written onto the 大象传媒 People's War sit by CSV Storygatherer Coralie on behalf of Mrs Edna May Bishop. The story has been added to the site with her permission and Edna fully understands the terms and conditions of the site.

The sevice was founded in 1938 and was known as the Women's Voluntary Service for Air Raid Precautions. Plymouth was part of a nationwide organisation founded by Lady Reading. The Plymouth office was situated at 17, George Street and from this address all the activities were organised.

These activities included fire watching, caring for the injured, taking refreshments to the air raid shelters during prolonged air raids, manning mobile canteens, catering at rest camps situated on the outskirts of Plymouth and serving tea to the troops passing through North Road Station; the tea was often served in jam jars as cups were in short supply. The WVS also marshalled and escorted evacuees to foster homes. Distribution of food, clothing, blankets and ration books was another responsibility.

In March 1941 the office was destroyed during the blitz and for some time after that the work was conducted from any available room in undamaged property.

Enquiry points were manned and these proved to be of vital importance to those seeking news of missing relatives. Rest houses were set up as temporary accommodation for the homeless.

During the war, a total of 241 WVS members were killed nationally whilst on duty. A Roll of Honour, inscribed on vellum, is on display permanently at St. Nicholas Chapel, Westminster Abbey. Every year a wreath is laid at the Civilian War Memorial, Lockyer Street in memory of these members.

After the war the community work continued as the Home Office became aware that such an invaluable body of volunteers could not be disbanded.

In 1966 the Queen paid tribute to the organisation by adding the title 'Royal' to the name.

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