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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE-TOPICS -- WOMEN & THE U.S. NAVY

World War II era WAVES --
Quarters & Meals

The arrival of large numbers of women in the Naval service prompted significant changes in enlisted housing arrangements. Though some WAVES were quartered in traditional "open bay" structures, with dozens of personnel living together in large rooms, Women's Reserve leaders were successful in their efforts to change this standard to one of smaller two or four person accomodations. Similar enclosing was accomplished for washing and toilet facilities. The improved privacy greatly enhanced morale, and, as the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery had contended earlier, also reduced the spread of communicable diseases. With wartime experience proving their benefits, many of these changes were extended to male Sailors' housing during the postwar era.

In urban areas, such as New York City and heavily WAVES-populated Washington, D.C., Navy women were often quartered in existing hotels and apartment buildings, many with integral dining, recreation and other support facilities. Whatever the housing, the double-decked bunk bed was a ubiquitous feature. The Navy being a disciplined activity, there were also WAVES Masters at Arms in quarters to enforce standards of behavior, decor, tidiness and other elements of service life.

This page features views related to World War II era WAVES' quarters, and provides a link to images of their meals.

For more images of World War II era WAVES' quarters, see:

  • WAVES' Quarters (Part II).

    For pictures of the World War II era WAVES' food, see:

  • WAVES' Meals and Eating.

    For additional images of WAVES of the World War II era, see:

  • World War II era WAVES -- Overview and Special Image Selection.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions.

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: 80-G-1010884

    WAVES relaxing in their rooms


    At Quarters "D", Washington, D.C., circa 1944.
    One is reading a copy of "Our Navy" magazine.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 98KB; 740 x 610 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-40576

    WAVES at "home"


    In their new quarters in a Washington, D.C., apartment house, 11 February 1943.
    They are (from left to right): Storekeeper 3rd Class Helena Huse, Storekeeper 3rd Class Helen Barr, Radioman 3rd Class Wilma Crilry, and Seaman 2nd Class Lee Gridley.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 87KB; 740 x 610 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-27874

    WAVES Barracks Life


    WAVES in double bunks in their barracks, typical of their World War II living quarters.
    Photographed circa 1943.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 89KB; 595 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-211170

    Specialist (S) 3rd class Aspasia Phoutrides, USNR(W)
    (in upper berth), and
    Specialist (S) 3rd class Doris Saunders, USNR(W)

    Share reading material, while occupying a double bunk in their barracks at the Advanced Naval Training Station, Lake Union, Seattle, Washington, 16 September 1943.
    The copy of "LIFE" magazine is marked "WAVES Reading Room".

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 96KB; 590 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-K-14462 (Color)

    "That Perfect Corner"

    Bunk inspections pay special attention to corners, as this WAVE trainee knows.
    Photographed circa 1943-45.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 59KB; 490 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-K-13879 (Color)

    Navy WAVE trainee

    Leans on a swab while cleaning her barracks, soon after she arrived at a Naval Training Center during World War II.
    Photographed prior to April 1944.
    Note suitcases at right, and dungaree working uniform with button fly.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 95KB; 740 x 605 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     

    For more images of World War II era WAVES' quarters, see:

  • WAVES' Quarters (Part II).

    For pictures of the World War II era WAVES' food, see:

  • WAVES' Meals and Eating.

    For additional images of WAVES of the World War II era, see:

  • World War II era WAVES -- Overview and Special Image Selection.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions.


    Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

    Page made 18 February 2001