Photograph details

© Transport for London
Collection of London Transport Museum
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First World War women conductors attend a training class at the London General Omnibus Company training school for bus drivers and conductors at Milmans Street.

Photographed by Topical Press, 1916 - 1919

Location: Milman Street, Chelsea, SW10.

Image no: Ukn

Inventory no: 2003/7630

20th Century London caption: Women train to be bus conductors at the London General Omnibus Company training school at Milman Street, Chelsea, during the First World War. They are studying a map of Piccadilly. On the wall behind them are instructions and safety regulations for drivers. Women conductors had to be between 21 and 35 years old, and at least 5 foot (1.52 metres) tall. Before being accepted for training, they had to pass a medical exam and an I.Q. test. Many of them had previously worked in shops or in domestic service: this was an opportunity for most to undertake more interesting, better-paid work. Women were hired to replace the 18,000 male transport employees who joined the armed forces at the outbreak of war. They became conductors, clerks, station staff and maintenance staff.

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