In this historical fiction novel, the author follows several young women from their civilian lives in various cities in pre-WWI America, through their training, and into France where they connect the calls that helped the Allies win the war. While much of the story takes place “over there”, the women, as well as all of the other troops, bring their American attitudes and ideas with them. Many of the women who served as switchboard operators during the war were already working as operators. The telephone companies had discovered that women were much faster, and more accurate, than men. That is why the army wanted women operators as well. However, to qualify to serve overseas, they also had to be fluent in French.
This novel touches on a lot of different facets of life for American women in the early 1900’s. For example, an unmarried woman could not enlist, or enroll in college, without the permission of her guardian. The uniforms the ladies had to wear is described, as well as what they wore before they enlisted. The flu pandemic is mentioned, but not emphasized. At least one of the main characters knows someone who is discriminated against because of their nation of origin, due to the unfounded fear that they might sympathize with the Germans. The book also talks about the work of the YMCA and YWCA in France in helping make the troops’ lives a bit easier.
Much of this book is set in France. While most of the operators were not exposed to the worst aspects of the war, there was one group close to the front. And of course there was always the risk of bombardment, anywhere in Europe. However, due to the nature of their jobs, the ladies at the switchboards probably knew more about what ordeals the soldiers were enduring than most of the people back home. Of course, they couldn’t tell anyone, or even really discuss it among themselves.
If this was your family, how would you research them? While much of this book is fictionalized, it is based on real events, and a few real people. If you think one of your ancestors might have been a switchboard soldier, you might start your research by reviewing what sources the author used for her research. The women who operated the switchboards were never considered part of the army, so official records would be no help here. Family lore might be a good starting point, and you should be able to tell if she traveled abroad during this time frame. Local newspapers might also be useful.