The Southampton branch of the Women's Emergency Corps

Under the patronage of the Countess of Pembroke, the Southampton branch of the Women's Emergency Corps (WEC) opened an exhibition at Watts Hall to showcase the skills and contributions of women to the war effort.

The WEC, a pioneering organisation that emerged in the early days of the war, aimed to harness the talents and energy of women to support the nation during a time of crisis. 

The Southampton branch, like many others across the country, was established to provide relief and assistance to women in distress.

The exhibition at Watts Hall served as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the women involved. 

(Image: Echo)

Visitors were treated to demonstrations of toy-making and cookery, two practical skills that were in high demand during the war. 

These activities not only provided essential goods but also offered women opportunities to develop new talents and gain valuable experience.

The WEC's impact extended far beyond the exhibition. The organisation played a vital role in providing employment and training to women, many of whom were struggling to make ends meet due to the war's economic consequences. 

By offering work and education, the WEC empowered women and helped to alleviate their hardships.

One of the most notable aspects of the WEC's work was its focus on health and well-being.

The organisation provided cookery lessons to its members, ensuring that they had the skills to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and others. This emphasis on health and nutrition was particularly important during a time of scarcity and rationing.

The WEC's commitment to supporting the war effort was unwavering. 

(Image: Echo)

Members of the organisation volunteered their time and energy to a variety of tasks, including knitting socks and making bandages for wounded soldiers. They also assisted with fundraising efforts and provided support to families affected by the war.

Despite the positive impact of the WEC, the organisation faced criticism from some quarters. Some individuals argued that the WEC's employment of young girls was depriving families of domestic help. 

However, the Countess of Pembroke, in her opening address, defended the WEC's work, emphasising the valuable contributions that women were making to the war effort.

The exhibition at Watts Hall was a significant milestone in the history of the Southampton Women's Emergency Corps.

 It showcased the organization's achievements and highlighted the vital role that women played in supporting the nation during a time of crisis. 

More than a century later, the legacy of the WEC continues to inspire and inform our understanding of women's contributions to the Great War.

The WEC was founded in 1914, at the beginning of the Great War.