AN URGENT NEED

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22472, 6 January 1943, Page 4

AN URGENT NEED

Recruits For W.A.A.F.

Appeal To South Canterbury Women

Twenty women and girls were interviewed in Timaru yesterday by the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force Selection Committee, of which Flight Lieutenant A. R. Sinclair-Thomson, formerly of Timaru, is the chief member. The committee will sit in Timaru periodically from now onwards, to facilitate the speedier selection and placement of recruits.

“We are 2000 girls short of our urgent requirements,” said Flight Lieu • tenant Sinclair Thomson to a "Timaru Herald” representative yesterday afternoon.

“Before they may enlist with any section of the Auxiliary Armed Forces,”

said Flight Lieutenant Sinclair-Thom-son, “girls must first register with the Women’s War Service Auxiliary, and then apply to the recruiting office of the respective services, for enrolment forms and further particulars. The Timaru office of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force is situated in the Air Training Corps premises in Stafford Street, where a recruiting officer is in attendance.

“All girls over the age of 18 years are eligible, the consent of parents being necessary in the case of those under 21. Recruits are medically examined and, when placed in positions, due consideration is given to medical grading. All recruits appear before the selection committee, whose task it is to place each in the most suitable work. References as to character and qualifications are required, and every consideration is given to individual preferences and capabilities. The selection committee is there to help and advise. Variety of Work

“There is definitely a job for every girl or woman in the W.A.A.F. The work that W.A.AF”s. are doing includes service in the medical and dental sections, as equipment assistants, transport drivers, wireless operators, cooks, fabric workers, instrument repairers, aircraft hands, telephone operators and in the meteorological section, and in doing all types of clerical work. The girl with a primary school education and a little experience may become an aircraft hand. There is a job for the girl with a higher grade education in the meteorological section. Cooks are needed and a knowledge of any special trade will be of value to the W.A.A.F. An endeavour is made to place recruits in work similar to their civilian occupations, but where there is any special preference or qualification, every assistance is given by the selection committee. All W.A.A.F."s. receive a thorough training in their particular work, and there is the same opportunity for promotion in all positions. A Splendid Job “The f . girls and women are doing a splendid job,” Flight Lieutenant Sin-clair-Thomson told recruits yesterday. “When trained they release men for heavier work, and for overseas service,” she continued. “We want more W.A.A.F’s. and we want them urgently. “The conditions of service are congenial, and on nearly all stations there are splendid facilities for entertainment, socials, dances, and for quiet reading or study. There are regular periods of leave, and W.A.A.F’s. are entitled to a considerable concession on the railways and road services.” Commencing on January 16, there is to be a Dominion-wide recruiting campaign for the women’s services, and Timaru officials trust that local women will respond to the call for volunteers.