‘Bristol Women Demand Right to Defend their Homes’ Newspaper headline, 1915 With most men away fighting, women organised themselves to keep Bristol safe. The Bristol Training School for Women Patrols and Police was established in 1915. Training lasted for three months, and recruits were taught first aid, case investigation and elementary criminal law. The graduates were not recognised as qualified police officers by the government.

Women also organised voluntary patrols of the city. These were intended to keep the streets safe for the young women travelling to their work, and to regulate the behaviour of soldiers home on leave. According to the Training School’s report of 1918, ‘it is the actual presence of the Patrol as a “street chaperon,” standing for healthy recreation and self-control, which does the most continuous and valuable service.’

Marjorie Watson-Williams set up the Women’s Defence Corps, which offered training in shooting, drill and first aid. Local rifle ranges refused entry to the women.