Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps Collection, 1940-1942

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Summary

Creators:
Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps.
Abstract:
This collection contains correspondence, newspaper articles, and other records of the Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps, a military-trained civilian organization operating in San Diego during World War II.
Extent:
0.25 Linear feet (1 box)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps Collection, MS 66, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence, newspaper articles, and other records of the Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps, a military-trained civilian organization operating in San Diego during World War II. Other documents include receipts, photographs, incorporation papers, and rules and regulations. The majority of the collection is correspondence between Colonel Julia Dowell and various government offices, including a note from the secretary of Eleanor Roosevelt. The collection focuses on the years 1940-1942, when the WATC was founded and soliciting recruits to join the war effort.

Biographical / historical:

The Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps was founded by Colonel Julia Dowell in May of 1940. Dowell was the commander in chief, and records show that the WATC was gathering volunteers to provide aid in conjunction with other organizations such as the American Red Cross. The organization was trained by professional military, including first aid procedures, swimming instruction, infantry drill, ambulance driving, mechanics, rifle and pistol practice, gas mask use, chemical warfare, and aviation and parachute skills. By September of 1940, there were roughly 250 women enlisted, and by March of 1941 there was a Los Angeles branch. The organization became incorporated in January of 1942. The requirements to join were that the women be 18-45 years of age, US citizens, white, of sound health, and able to devote two nights a week to training.

Processing information:

Collection processed by Lindsay Banuelos on November 17, 2007.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by material type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

Preferred citation:

Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps Collection, MS 66, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Location of this collection:
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 232-6203
Website