IMPORTANT ROLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 124, 21 November 1942, Page 8

IMPORTANT ROLE

WOMEN IN THE ARMY

TRAINEES ADDRESSED

"The organisation for the defence of this country is partly in your hands," said the Deputy Chief of General Staff (Brigadier K. L. Stewart, D.5.0., 0.8. E.) in addressing W.A.A.C. personnel at a parade held on Thursday. "A 'blob' could be extremely serious, but we are confident that there will r. jt be a 'blob,' that you will do your part in the right way."

Those on parade included 32 who had completed a six weeks' intensive course of training at the Radio-Loca-tion Wing of the School of Artillery, and there were some 90 others still to complete the training. "You are holding,,or will hold, an extremely important part in the Army organisation," said the Brigadier in pointing out that as there was" a shortage of men they were dependent upon women to help to see them through and to help to man the equipment. "I want you to realise that there is a war on, and that the end of the war is our only job. In other words, that job comes first. There is an impression that being in the Army is fun. Well, I hope it is fun. But that is only a part. War is a serious business. .We are fortunate that we have not been attacked yet. We do not know that we ever will be, but we have to be prepared at all times." In congratulating instructors and trainees upon the first-class showing which had been made, Brigadier Stewart emphasised that Army Headquarters fully realised that it was important and essential to have those good people whom he was addressing and more of them in the Army. He wished them success ;in their . unit, and emphasised, too, that the unit was the thing. "Play for your side," he said. "The individual is of secondary importance."

After the inspection of the parade, the Brigadier, who was received by Colonel E. R. Winkler (Commandant of the School of Artillery) took the salute.