B/W print; Staff at London General Omnibus Company bus garage Willesden, 1915 - 1919

Four cleaners stand in front of a B-type bus in a garage in Willesden during the First World War. They have been employed by the London General Omnibus Company to replace the men who have joined the armed forces. Between 1916 and 1919, women were employed in a range of duties at garages and engineering works. They worked as storekeepers in the fitting shops of the engineering works, and on general bus maintenance and cleaning. Some were also employed to overhaul the B-type bus chassis. A sign is visible on the bus, which asks people to 'eat less bread'. During the war, all staples were in short supply.