Trams in the war years

Honouring their service

This year Melbourne celebrates 100 years of continuous service of electric trams. There will be events throughout the year. For more information please call Yarra Trams on 03 9619 3204.

This brochure is in honour of the men and women who worked on the trams during war time and it pays special attention to the role of the conductresses.

Melbourne remains one of the few cities in the world to retain its original extensive tram network. Most cities closed their tram networks and uprooted their infrastructure following World War II when buses and private cars became a popular alternative.

Melbourne people and trams during war time

During World War II, newly created jobs including shift work were vital to the war effort. Men and women
used trams to travel to and from work. To cater for shift workers some tram routes extended services to 24 hours a day. Trams were also a popular means of transport for soldiers when in town.

Fuel rationing limited the use of private cars and resulted in highly patronised tram services. In order to reduce crush loads and conserve energy, Melburnians were urged to limit their travel to essential business only.

1939–1945: A tram full of soldiers and workers. Australian War Memorial Negative Number 141296.

Ammunition, ordnance and explosives factories produced essential goods for the war effort. Tram tracks were extended to link with important landmarks such as these factories and the Essendon Aerodrome. Special security measures were taken and coding was used in place of regular signage for trams travelling to these factories.

Some trams were used as promotional vehicles during war time, with several trams decorated to promote service recruitment or the sale of war bonds, which gave civilians an opportunity to invest in the war effort.

The role of women in the tramways during war time

Severe manpower shortages during World War II resulted in the employment of women as conductresses by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) in 1941. These conductresses were the fi rst women in Australia to be paid the same as their male counterparts.

The fi rst conductresses were those whose husbands were MMTB employees serving in the military. The tramways continued to give preference to wives of MMTB employees on active service throughout World War II.

1942:The first group of eight conductresses at the Hawthorn Tram depot. Australian War Memorial Negative Number 141360.

There was opposition from workers who viewed women as a threat to their job security and there was also doubt as to whether women could competently do the work. Nonetheless, conductresses proved successful and were employed throughout the war. When the war finally ended, the servicemen returned to their positions with the MMTB and the women were retrenched but many women were once again employed by the tramways during the post war boom.

1939–1945: A tram full of soldiers and workers. Australian War Memorial Negative Number 141296.	1916: This recruitment tram travelled along Prahran and Malvern routes, promoting the enlistment of soldiers.
1944: A tram conductress in summer uniform changes the sign in a city street in preparation for her next trip. Australian War Memorial Negative Number 044516.	1914 – 1918: A tram bearing a sign advertising the Commonwealth of Australia 7th war loan. It read ‘Buy War Bonds’. Note the patriotic decorations and electric lights. Australian War Memorial Negative Number H02357.

1944: A city tram conductress selling Red Cross buttons to two American soldiers. Australian War Memorial Negative Number 141360-1.

Conductresses also helped raise funds for the war effort by selling Red Cross buttons to civilians and soldiers.

The Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance was dedicated in 1934 to honour war veterans. It was a place Victorians could ‘bring their wounded hearts’ and mourn the fallen. Today, thousands of people still take a by tram to this important memorial to remember our service men and women.

1943: Members of the 9th Division smile as they wait for their tram at Spencer Street Station on their arrival home from the Middle East aboard the troopship the MV “Nieuw Amsterdam”. Australian War Memorial Negative Number 078763-1.

The Hawthorn Tram Museum

One of the trams in service during World War II is now part of the collection at the Hawthorn Tram Museum. It is a W1 class, number 431 and was built in 1927 at the Preston Tramway Workshops. It is one of 30 trams built between 1926 and 1928. It features an open drop centre section where men could smoke without causing discomfort to others. Women were encouraged to sit in the enclosed carriage. The drop centre section also made it easier for passengers to get on and off the tram and was ideal for short trips. The Hawthorn Tram Museum is open on the second Saturday of every month and has over 20 trams
displayed. For further information please visit the public transport history and heritage pages at www.doi.vic.gov.au

Lest we forget.