Women's Voluntary Service Jacket

During the Second World War over one million women volunteered with the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS). Their work ranged from metal salvage, running mobile canteens for troops to providing rest centres for residents affected by bombing.

Originally named the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions, the WVS was founded in 1938 by the Marchioness of Reading, Stella Isaacs. Its purpose was to recruit a pool of helpers to assist with air raid precautions, staffing rest centres and canteens and running child evacuation schemes. However, the WVS soon also provided essential support during bombing raids.