Florence Violet Granville was born in Melbourne in1890 and known as Violet though later in her life she was always referred to as Mrs Mac. The author records not only the story of Mrs Mac's life but also her importance in promoting equal rights for women when choosing the career they want. The book also provides valuable information about the role of signaling systems during the Second World War, particularly the use of Morse code.
Violet was initially a maths teacher but she wanted to be an electrical engineer which was an unacceptable career for a woman. She eventually managed to enrol in a course at Sydney Technical College obtaining her diploma in 1923. Meanwhile she managed a radio sales and repair shop where customers introduced her to crystal sets and amateur radio. She also increased her interest in Morse code. This led to her becoming the first female certificated radio telegraphist in Australia, the first woman in Australia to hold an amateur wireless licence and the first female member of the Wireless Institute of Australia.
In the 1930s Mrs Mac set up The Electrical Association for Women (Australia) where women could safely learn to use electrical appliances. She wrote a cookbook containing basic recipes for cooking on electric appliances as well as articles and a children's book promoting safety around electricity.
With the onset of war Mrs Mac established the Women's Emergency Signalling Corps to train women to become telegraphists. Much resistance was encountered in the acceptance of these women in military service but Mrs Mac persisted and eventually the WRANS was established allowing trained female telegraphists to assist in the war effort. The WESC also trained many servicemen, particularly potential airmen, to use Morse code and other signaling methods. Some American servicemen also attended her course. After the war she concentrated on teaching merchant seamen signaling systems.
The work done by Mrs Mac and her team during the Second World War was voluntary. Eventually the value of her work was recognised when she received an OBE in 1950. Mrs Mac died in 1982.
Until this book was published earlier this year the value of Mrs Mac's contribution to the Australian services during the war and her pioneering work in promoting safe use of electricity in this country was largely forgotten. Hopefully this book will help promote the legacy of a remarkable and determined woman.
Extensive notes, bibliography and index.
Australian Dictionary of Biography article
No comments:
Post a Comment