The Girl guides contribution to the war effort

Girl guides ( and scouts!) certainly played a significant part in the war effort, both in World war 1 and 2. From knitting socks for soldiers,fundraising, being trained in mechanics,first aid and signalling to name a few. Girl guides were a skilled group of volunteers who were a very valuable asset in wartime.

• The book 'Something for the girls' was published the centenary year of Girl guiding being formed.It includes information on girl-guiding both through war and peace time.

Guides in WW1

• As well as collecting fruit stones and nut shells for the production of gas masks (these contain potash which is believed to absorb poison gas) , Guides also collected waste paper, newspapers and books to be sold on to fund-raise for various causes like the Prisoners of war fund.

• Guides put there sewing skills to use making swabs for hospitals and were also encourage to make or collect clothes. Guides also helped with laundry and cooking in other institutions.
• Some guides had the privileged job working at MI5 mainly as messengers but also assisting in cooking,cleaning (orderlies) and admin, a role that was previously allocated to scouts but was later allocated to Girl guides as they were found to be more mature and trusted!
• Guides could earn The War Service badge which involved either partaking in at least 21 days special service for a hospital, nursing institution, society etc. , making at least 15 articles of clothing or 21 days of service for a business working in connection to the war or 'war service for women' initiatives such as poultry farming, farm work, brush making etc. Additionally, this service was unpaid work.

Guides in WW2:

• Reflecting the government message of 'make do and mend' girl guiding adopted there own initiative : 'Save all supplies' aimed at reusing and recycling items, increasing food stock and raise money for equipment like air ambulances through the sale of unwanted items.

 

• Then Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were active members of girl guiding during the war. In the photo on the left they send a thinking day message by pigeon. 

• Collecting scrap metal to be recycled for production of aeroplanes, tanks etc.
• With rationing and international food supply's ground to halt growing vegetables was important to help feed the local community.Guides helped with growing in garden and allotments.

• Throughout WW2 the Guides had many fundraising drives to raise money for the purchase of  equipment for the armed services and to help keep vital services like the red cross operating.In 1940 Girl Guides were asked to raise money to buy two air ambulances, guides were asked to sacrifice half a days wage or any pocket money they could spare to raise this money. It was penned- Guide gift week. The initial target was to raise £20,000 but the total raised at the end of the week was over £50,000!
• Similar to the service award offered to guides in WW1, the second world war service badge required Guides to complete a certain number of hours of service.For the badge to be awarded a Guide had to complete at least 96 hours of voluntary war service and have passed her second class test.