Widening women's technical and nursing roles in the Navy

Speed presents greater employment of women as one response to a tightening naval labour market. Within the combat and sea-service restrictions of the period, the Women's Royal Naval Service was opening more officer specializations and technical ratings. The first women air mechanics were entering training, and other operational duties short of combat were being considered. Naval nursing posed the reverse equality problem because male nurses needed fair career opportunities inside a traditionally female service. The proposed integrated nursing organization shows manpower reform operating through both wider access for women and removal of barriers facing men in a specialized branch.