WAR DANGERS

Grey River Argus, 17 May 1938, Page 3

WAR DANGERS

Work for Women

AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS.

LONDON, April 13

One hears a lot about what women will suffer in the next war, and sometimes exaggerated conjectures about a woman’s army fighting in the front lines, but in England to-day the fear of war is increasing and women everywhere are asking themselves, “What can I personally do to help, to be prepared, to play my part in national defence if and when war does come? Of all the possibilities open to civilians, the Air Raid Precautions Reserve is perhaps the best, both for the professional woman with not much time to spare, and for the domesticl woman who is responsible for a household of children and servants. The training for this work is simple, and brings a peace of mind which is almost as valuable in the times when war is feared as when it actually breaks out. “Untrained troops make gas effective” is a slogan of the Services, and there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that, as a trained unit, one is less worth the enemies while to attack.

What does this A.R.P. work: involve 1 in time, mental effort and future com- ' mitments? Seven lectures of an hour 1 each, two practical demonstrations, 1 and a relatively simple examination. - with a written paper and an oral test, ! and finally a certificate, a Red Cross' : "A.R.P. Reserve” brassard and the! duty of keeping one’s knowledge up-to-date. I CLASSIFICATION OF GASSES. One has first to come to grips with n careful classification of war gasses, each group of which needs a different first aid treatment and is identifiable by definite signs. One has to learn how| to gas-proof oneself and one’s dwelling, and to be familiar with the ma*i outlines of the national and local organisations against chemical warfare and war from the air. Then comes the first of the practical demonstrations —gas-mask drill. Army service masks are dealt out to the class, who struggle in and out of this unwieldy equipment until at last,

after a little practice, they are able to slip them on and off with drilled swiftness and confidence. How to clean them, pack them away and store them away is next explained. The final step in the training is to go through the gas van. The “students” line up for the commandant’s inspection, and then go in batches of eight into a Home Office gas van full of tear gas in a higher concentration than is ever likely to be met with in war. With each batch of eight goes the indefatigable commandant, chat- - ting reassuringly and in a surprising- ■ h' audible tone through her respirator. “This gas is far stronger than ■ you are ever likely to meet. . .does 1 anyone feel anything?” The cloud of ’ gas is invisible, but the command ’ comes. "Then—test for gas!” They 1 obey by lifting a tiny corner of their protection, taking three-quarters of a 1 breath and breathing out as quickly • as the mixture “gets” them. This is r an indispensable detail for checking 1 up on safety after an attack. After - two minutes in the van they emerge! - once more into the fresh air—theyl 3 have. come victorious through their baptism of gas. *

WRITTEN AND ORAL TEST. The examination that finally makes them members of the British Red Cross A.R.F. Reserve takes place at headquarters and consists of a quite easy and “common-sensical” written and oral test. Decontamination, tne most necessary of all knowledge for the civilian in respect of mustard gas attacks, is one of the chief subjects on which candidates are questionedAnd after that is the peace of mind that comes of knowledge, and the confidence and satisfaction that if that dreaded next war does come, one will see one’s duty and know how to do it.

THE WOMEN’S LEAGUE. Another way in which women can help is to join up with the 10.000 skilled voluntary women workers who are to be enrolled for national service. in the event of emergency, by the Women’s Legion, operations in close co-operation with Government departments and with the sympathy and approval of the War Department. The aim is to provide an organised women’s corps capable of taking over the motor driving and clerical work connected with the Government, thus freeing men of military age for othei duties. Only experienced women can at present be taken, preference being given to motor-drivers and statistical workers. The volunteers will be grouped into areas, where training m their future duties will be organised. An active division of the Legion is already established in London, with a staff of about 65 officers. The work of the Legion, which was founded in 1915 by Lady Londonberry. will be co-ordinated with similar efforts by other women’s organisations, including the Women’s Auxiliary Service and the Women’s Transport. Service Corps (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry).