'The ATS wants Cooks', 1940 (c)

Colour photolithograph recruiting poster, artist unknown, published by HM Stationery Office, 1940 (c).

The Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) was established in 1938 as the threat of war increased. After initial training, recruits were asked to carry out trade tests to establish which area they should go into. Experience in civilian life was usually crucial. For example, if a woman had been a typist she would be assigned clerical duties. During the course of the war the range of duties undertaken by the ATS expanded and women worked as telephonists, drivers, mess orderlies, cooks, butchers, bakers, postal workers, ammunition inspectors and military police.