| 1 |
I am sorry! I did not see you there. I am here to enlist in the Reserve Navy. I read in the newspaper that they are taking in women now. It’s true, right? I see only men around. |
| 2 |
It’s always daunting to be the first to try something. But I am sure it will be fine. I know the Navy needs all the people willing to help. And I want to contribute with all my heart. |
| 3 |
Before, women were allowed into the Navy only as nurses and were considered civilians. I won’t lie rank and equal pay is also part of my motivation. |
| 4 |
It seems this war won’t be like any other. For now, only Europe has seen fighting, but the German submarines have started attacking all merchant ships. Is your fleet all right, captain? |
| 5 |
You should be on guard. They have already attacked some American ships. The Navy is looking for sailors and spare ship parts, a clear sign we will be entering the war soon too. |
| 6 |
I was enlisted as the first female in the Navy with the rank of Chief Yeoman. It’s the rank they designed for women in non-nurse positions. I am wondering what will be my first assignment. |
| 7 |
I was stationed at an ammunition factory. The work is hard, but the pay is fair. And I am doing something to help my country. Today’s dinner will be well deserved. |
| 8 |
The president announced we are entering the war. My heart was beating so fast when I watched the marines board the ships heading for the battle. We are living in some intense times. |
| 9 |
I have long shifts at the munition factory. There will be a new shipment of materials in the evening. It’s so busy since the war started. |
| 10 |
The Navy is looking for new suppliers. We are in need of a lot of materials and supplies. If you can, apply. I am sure you will be paid well for your services. |
| 11 |
More yeomanettes were recruited for the radio operating and translation office. I will be transferred there soon too. I am looking forward to less physically exhausting work and the pay is better too. |
| 12 |
The radio room doesn’t have enough chairs for all the operators. I have been asking the higher-ups for new furniture, but they seem busy with other issues. |
| 13 |
We will need more uniforms for the new recruits. We have given them some male uniforms for now, but we need the uniforms designed for yeomanettes soon. It’s protocol. |
| 14 |
I have just received a radio communication requesting a new ammunition shipment to Europe. All our ships are at sea. Maybe you can take care of it instead. |
| 15 |
Since you are already headed to the old continent, take some food supplies too. There is never enough food in the time of war. |
| 16 |
A part of the yeomanettes is getting transferred to Hawaii. Can you take them there on your ship? Just be careful of the German submarines. They prey on our ships like wolves. |
| 17 |
The yeomanettes will not take up much space on your ship. You could also take more fuel for our vessels in the Pacific on your way to Hawaii. It would be greatly appreciated. |
| 18 |
I heard the war should come to an end soon. Let’s hope this rumor is true. I wouldn't even mind losing this fine salary. I just wish the world would be at peace again. |
| 19 |
Can you believe that more than 11 000 women have enlisted in the Navy since the war started? I think this is the beginning of more equal opportunities for women. |
| 20 |
The war is over. I have been transferred to the reserve force until my four-year enlistment runs out. Many soldiers are returning home, but someone needs to regulate the traffic. |
| 21 |
I have met a man. He is wonderful and he asked me to marry him. Once my enlistment ends, we will have a wedding. I have already started looking for a wedding dress. |
| 22 |
Yes, you guessed it. My fiance is a soldier. I met him during my time as a radio operator. We talked together on the radio before we ever met. It was love at first call. |
| 23 |
The date of our wedding is coming close. I was thinking of ordering the food from a local restaurant. But I would like some fresh seafood on the menu and they don’t have a good supplier. |
| 24 |
I was released from the Navy Reserves yesterday. We can fully concentrate on the wedding preparations now. I will pick the tables and chairs for the wedding feast tomorrow. |
| 25 |
The bakery where we ordered our wedding cake was robbed yesterday. It’s terrible, they even stole all the chocolates. Can you believe that? We will have to make do without a cake now. |
| 26 |
The wedding was amazing also thanks to you. My husband wants me to stay at home now. But I am no housewife. I want to help wherever possible. Do you know about an opportunity for me? |
| 27 |
Many yeomanettes were discharged now that the Navy doesn’t need such large numbers of recruits. I was getting a retainer pay when I was still in reserve. But now I need to find a new job. |
| 28 |
Maybe I will try for a civilian job in one of the government institutions. From my experience, it shouldn’t be a problem. Perhaps you could give me a recommendation among your friends too. |
| 29 |
I volunteered to help at the naval hospital. There is an influenza outbreak and the nurses have their hands full. They need food and medicine supplies too. |
| 30 |
It’s no easy work at the hospital, but I feel better knowing I am doing some good. Unfortunately, the patient numbers are rising and we have only so many beds in the hospital. |
| 31 |
At first, the newspapers wrote about the influenza outbreak in Spain. But It seems the cases are growing in other parts of the world too. As if the war didn’t kill enough people, now there is a pandemic. |
| 32 |
We have lost more patients today. This sickness is taking young and strong too. Nobody is safe. Please, be careful when delivering supplies to the hospital. I am doing my best to protect myself too. |
| 33 |
We need to build a separate building next to the hospital for more patients. We have already taken up the neighboring warehouse, but it’s full too. |
| 34 |
It would take too much time to build a brick building. Just bring us a few batches of planks and we will construct a provisional shelter for the sick. Cough, cough! |
| 35 |
There is so much work I can hardly find time for sleep. But I feel like I will faint anytime now. Please, can you find some replacement for me, only for a day or two? I need to rest a bit. |
| 36 |
I must have contracted influenza too. I am still feeling tired and the cough has gotten much worse. The head nurse released me from duty. I wanted to help so much. Please, if you can contribute in any way, do so. |
| 37 |
I can hardly stomach any food. I feel so weak. The only things I can hold in are a few grapes. Could you bring me the dark and sweet kind? I love them best. |
| 38 |
I am starting to feel better. I hope you are well and healthy. The influenza outbreak is getting under control. If you can, stop by the hospital and help them out. They still have a lot to do. |
| 39 |
The doctor pronounced me healthy again, but this slight cough doesn’t seem to stop. The doctor recommended I eat a lot of food containing iron and the cough should subside. |
| 40 |
My husband convinced me not to return to work. So I will relax at home a bit longer. Come for dinner tomorrow so I can say goodbye properly. I will miss those fresh fish you used to bring me. |
| Final |
Thank you for your help. Don't forget your reward, captain. |