Wave Quarters D: Life and Legacy of the WAVES in Washington, DC (1945)

📌 Explore the life and activities of the WAVES stationed at Wave Quarters D, Washington, D.C. This 1945 brochure offers a photographic journey into the daily routines, recreation, and camaraderie of women who served in WWII.

Front Cover: This Lavishly Illustrated Brochure, Created in 1945, Provides an Incredible Photographic Record of the Wave Activities and Life in Washington, DC, at Waves Quarters D. The Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service Were Definitely a “Pass in Review." GGA Image ID # 223741dc09

WAVES Quarters D in Washington DC - Being a WAVE in the Navy (1945)

Relevance to the United States Navy for Teachers, Students, Genealogists, Historians, or Others

This 1945 brochure offers a unique historical snapshot of the daily life and activities of women in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) at Wave Quarters D, Washington, D.C. For historians and genealogists, this resource provides invaluable insights into the living conditions and responsibilities of women in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The brochure highlights not only the recreational activities but also the vital roles played by WAVES in supporting the war effort.

For teachers and students, it offers a window into the social history of wartime America, particularly for female service members. It is a fascinating example of the ways women balanced military duty with personal and professional development. It is also highly useful for those researching the evolution of women's military roles, as it highlights the growth of the WAVES and the structured, supportive environment that was created for them during the war.

Wave Quarters “D” Our Home for Today

Creeating a home away from home requires energetic spirits and understanding minds. Young women from forty-eight states have succeeded in converting WAVE Quarters "D," Washington, D. C., from cold, gray barracks into a warm community that offers recreation for the leisure-minded and opportunities for personal development in education and the art of living.

From this home, Yeomen, Specialists, Electricians, Pharmacists, and Aerographers of the Women's Reserve go daily to important jobs. These jobs are vital to bringing final victory to American shores. Since we are all an integrated group in the United States Navy, we achieve growth by working under Navy rules.

"D" brings many pictures to mind: the snappy marching by the company at drill, the shipshape barracks with comfort and friendliness, the aroma of newly baked pastry from the mess hall, the fresh country tang to the rain-cleansed air, the change of watches at the front gate, and the dignity of "Colors" serenely enfolding this busy life in Navy blue.

Though our hearts are often far away as our hands are occupied with work or recreation, we always can find a solidarity of purpose and enjoyment in the active atmosphere of "D." This is our world for today! Here, we are the many states and nationalities of America fused into one.

When the time comes for us to resume our paths, we shall carry with us the warm memory of friendly sights and associations at "D" with the women who volunteered to serve . . . the WAVES of America.

JULY 1945

Administration Building, the Nerve Center of Wave Quarters “D”, Flies Its Flag Proudly. . . As Though in Proclamation of “D” As the Largest Wave Quarters in America . . . Representative of the Work of the Women’s Reserve in a Fighting Navy! "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 22375d1c6c

Officer-In-Charge, LTCDR Katherine Porter Allen, As Director and Counselor for Thousands of American Young Women, With the Aid of Her Officer Assistants, Symbolizes the Fine and Broad Execution of Things That Are and Are to Be at “D”. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 2237dda0ff

The Lounge, Located in the Right Wing of the Administration Building, Is a Place for “D” Waves to Pause, Scan Morning Headlines, Relay the Latest Scuttlebutt, Relax in off Moments, or Meet the Newest Heart Interest. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 2237ff6b39

Post Office Boasts a Special Wing in the Administration Building and an Efficient Staff of Waves . . . in Time of Regular Activity or the Mad Whirl of Holiday Mail . . . Always Does a Thriving Business. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 2238655087

Officer-Of-The-Day From Her Desk at the Entrance of the Administration Building Coordinates Barracks’ Activity, Solves Immediate Problems, Acts in Emergencies, and Legalizes Action by Her Signature. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 2238b82df8

Air View of Wave Quarters “D” Reveals Its Well-Planned Pattern, Which Is Harmonious With Barracks, Crosswalks, and the Key Administration, Recreation, and Commissary With the Ordered Design of Washington. “D” Is a Community Complete With Streets Connecting Barracks and Buildings. at the Upper Left Is the Familiar Ward Circle. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 22396de63a

Laundry Room Facilities Keep White Shirts in Circulation. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223995d153

Locker . . . Convenient and Compact . . . Displays Stowage of Gear. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 2239a9ed31

Barracks Lounge . . . Finest Atmosphere to Write to Mom and GI Joe . . . Enjoy Potato Chips and Cokes . . “Shoot’ the Breeze." "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 2239ec8cf8

Quarterdeck Takes the Barracks’ Business in Its Stride. Cubicle . . . Planned for Living! . . . Enjoying! . . . Relaxing! "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223a022d97

Time for Mess . . . Proclaimed by the Clock . . . Starts One of the Four Daily Treks of Navy Personnel to the Gi Mess Hall. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223a0f72cf

Wave-Sized Meal Assembled From Salad to Dessert Through the Efficient Teamwork of the Many Girls “on the Line." "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223a19d1fd

Two Waves Attack the Appetizing, Well-Balanced Meal on Their Traditional “Tin” Trays With an “All out” Enthusiasm. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223a9491fd

With Waves Manning Big-Scale Equipment, Bakery Turns Out Delicacies Such As Parkerhouse Rolls and Boston Cream Pie. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223b428a44

Vast Mess. Hall. . . Shipshape After Swabbing... When the Work of Serving Thousands Is Done for Another Day! "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223b53dc41

Educational Services Offer an Anchor for the Future by Giving Courses Toward Academic Diplomas, Special Fields of Work, and Avocational Subjects. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223b6b5e86

Bulletin Boards Keep Waves on the “Eso Beam” With the Flexible and Ever-Changing Movements of World Events . . . Up-To-Date News Is Posted Daily. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223c05695f

War Orientation Lectures by Noted Persons and Movies That Give War Background and Progress Are Vital for Keeping “D” Personnel Alert to the Times. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223c4bec2f

Ship’s Service . .. Dressed up for Inspection in Readiness for the Many Snack-Seeking Waves.

Ship’s Store Sells an Interesting Variety of Everything From Strictly Wave Necessities to the Important “Luxuries”.

Beauty Salon . . . Modernistic and Minimum-Priced . . . Gives Shampoos, Trims, and Short Waves to Waves. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223c9645c6

“Have a Coke . . . Indulge in a Hot-Fudge Sundae” . . . Ship’s Fountain, a Favorite “Hangout” Anytime of Every Day. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223cbd6aba

Tennis Enthusiasts Get a Few Pointers on Developing a Smashing Back-Hand Drive As Their Instructor Explains That Technique Eliminates a “Love” Game. I Hit the Mark Is Her Aim . . . in Proof That a Wave, Too, Can Find Her Target. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223cbf311e

Basketball Champions Beam in Triumph As the League Victors of the Season. Ready for Another Toss at the Basket. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223ce0d80c

Cyclists Breathe the Freshness of Morning Air As They Start a Recreation-Sponsored Jaunt to the Hills. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223ce152b8

Waves “Get In the Swing” With the Great American Sport of Softball With Typical Springtime Eagerness. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223d07ba01

Learn-To-Dance Class . .. Foxtrot . . . Jitterbug .. . Rumba . . . “D’s” Counterpart of the Famous “Six Lessons." "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223d91c663

Friends Meet for a Game of Bridge, With Some Culbertson Guidance Along the Way. to Assist in Adding the Score. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223dbc0041

Navy Meets Army Dances at Fort Meade (Free Transportation) . . . a Regular Bi-Weekly Highlight for “D” Waves Who Aspire to “Cut the Rug” With Khaki. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223df06160

Budding Cornells and Fontannes Constructively Fill Many “Liberty” Hours Learning the Art of the Theatre Under the Direction of a Drama Specialist. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223e132615

The Chapel, and Beautifully Set Among the Trees in Contrast to the Operations of War, Represents the Guidance of Divine Destiny in the Life of a Shore Station Such As “D”. Used for Catholic and Protestant Services, Each With a Trained Wave Choir, Regular Organist, and Under the Direction of Earnest and Hard-Working Chaplains, It Serves Its Purpose Well. Especially Noteworthy Are the Number of Wave Weddings Solemnized Within Its Doors. “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”—the Navy Hymn Rings As Indeed in the Hearts of the Waves at “D” As on the Ships at Sea. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223ebe5884

“D” Glee Club Gives Forth in Versatile Voice With “Music for Thousands,” Winter, Summer, Spring and Fall . . . Indoors and Outdoors . ... for Concert ... . for Fun!

The First All-Wave Band . . . Women of the Women’s Reserve in Varied Rates and Jobs .......but Musicians All When They Swing Out On “Anchors Aweigh” and “Waves of the Navy”. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223ecb69dd

“D” Waves '‘Strike up the Band” for a Concert on the Steps of Our Great National Capitol, Spiritedly Performing in the Musical Tradition of the U. S. Navy.

String Ensemble Adds the Softer Musical Touch for Occasions of Dignity and Celebrated Social Functions on the Station Before Notables in Washington, DC. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223f03c7a8

"RECREATION AS YOU LIKE IT"

Relaxing and finding enjoyment to their liking at the "Rec" Hall. WAVE Carolers gathered around the tree and saw the spirit of Christmas had arrived. Spontaneous pleasure comes from thumbing through magazines, listening to records and radio, and playing games.

The duck mascots of "D," Glory and Hallelujah, and the squirrel family enjoy a meal. Singing the old songs in barber-shop harmony brings happy memories to a cheerful group.

Here is entertainment of the "as you like it" variety: add a pool for swimming, a library for reading, movies for thrills, and alleys for bowling. Result: Good Recreation!

“Naturally Navy” . . . a Musical Smash Hit Presented in Celebration of Wave Quarters “D” Second Anniversary . . Recounting to Music the Imaginary Experiences of the First Contingent of Washington Waves As They Go Overseas to Hawaii. "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223f4939a4

The script, lyrics, and tunes were created by "D" WAVES. Every action of the more than 75 participants said, "This is ours," as they swished paint brushes on scenery, struggled into bell-bottom trousers for the last-act sailor roles, sang with sparkle and saltiness, "Hi Honolulu," "Naturally Navy," "Salty Sue," "Embarkation Blues" and waxed sentimental in "Dream Crazy." A capacity house, including distinguished blue and gold braid, acclaimed "Naturally Navy" a natural!

Personal Inspection by Ship’s Company Officers . . . Shoes Shined .. . Uniforms Pressed . . . Hats Squared Shipshape! "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223f7fc10c

“Attention! All Eyes off the Deck. Right Face. Forward March. Left, Right” “D” Waves Drill! "D" Pass in Review, July 1945. GGA Image ID # 223f9a3411

“Colors” ... at the Close of a Busy Day Furl the “One World” Unity of Wave Quarters “D” for Its Goal . . . Final Victory!

Key to Officer, NCO, or Enlisted Ranks

LTCDR: Lieutenant Commander (A senior officer rank in the Navy, typically in charge of a department or unit).

Yeoman (F): A female member of the Navy who performs administrative tasks, such as clerical work, filing, and record-keeping.

Specialist: A rating in the Navy for individuals with specific technical or professional skills.

Pharmacist's Mate: A medical rating that involves duties similar to a civilian nurse or healthcare provider.

Electrician: A rating responsible for electrical work, including maintenance and repairs.

Dictionary of Military Terms or Abbreviations

WAVES: Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service – A program established during World War II to allow women to serve in the U.S. Navy.

Mess Hall: The dining facility for military personnel.

Quarterdeck: The area of a Navy ship or base that functions as the main administrative office, often where official duties are handled.

“Tin” Trays: Refers to the metal food trays used in mess halls.

“Scuttlebutt”: Informal, often gossip-related, conversation.

Glee Club: A choir or singing group.

Rec Hall: Short for Recreation Hall, a facility for social and recreational activities.

Key Highlights and Engaging Content

Life at Wave Quarters D

The brochure opens with a vivid description of life at Wave Quarters D, emphasizing how the women transformed their living spaces into a home away from home.

The environment was designed for comfort and community, creating an atmosphere of solidarity. The physical transformation of the barracks into a lively, welcoming place is intriguing, showcasing the adaptability and resourcefulness of the WAVES.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: Wave Quarters “D” Our Home for Today – This image represents the transformation of the barracks into a vibrant community, an essential part of the WAVES' daily life.

Notable Figures: LTCDR Katherine Porter Allen

The image and text of LTCDR Katherine Porter Allen, the officer-in-charge, offer a glimpse into the leadership structure of Wave Quarters D. She is depicted as a symbol of the organization and efficiency that guided the WAVES, showing how women took leadership roles during wartime.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: Officer-In-Charge, LTCDR Katherine Porter Allen – She is described as a counselor and director for the WAVES, providing guidance for thousands of women.

The Importance of Daily Routine and Facilities

The brochure vividly describes daily routines and facilities, from the post office, where WAVES worked during busy periods, to the laundry room, where “white shirts” were kept circulating.

The description of the quarterdeck, where administrative duties were managed, conveys the organizational structure of Wave Quarters D.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: Post Office Boasts a Special Wing in the Administration Building – A great visual of the vital support roles women took in communication and logistics during WWII.

Recreational Activities and Personal Development

Beyond their military duties, WAVES had access to a variety of recreational activities that enriched their lives and allowed them to develop new skills. From sports like basketball and softball to art classes and the first All-Wave Band, the community encouraged personal growth.

Educational services also provided opportunities for WAVES to pursue academic diplomas and specialized work, helping prepare them for careers after the war.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: Basketball Champions Beam in Triumph – This image reflects the camaraderie and team spirit fostered in the WAVES community.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: Tennis Enthusiasts Get a Few Pointers – Highlights the physical fitness and recreational activities offered to the WAVES.

The Spiritual and Social Environment

The presence of the chapel at Wave Quarters D, with its trained Wave choir and regular religious services, provided a sense of peace and connection to a higher purpose, contrasting with the wartime environment. Additionally, social activities like dances and recreational outings to Fort Meade helped WAVES maintain morale.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: The Chapel, and Beautifully Set Among the Trees – Emphasizes the role of spiritual life in creating a sense of normalcy for WAVES stationed at Quarters D.

Community and Fellowship

The spirit of community is palpable throughout the brochure, with images showing women engaged in a variety of activities, from bridge games to dancing classes.

These activities were important in maintaining morale and providing WAVES with the social support necessary to endure the stresses of wartime service.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: “Have a Coke . . . Indulge in a Hot-Fudge Sundae” – A fun depiction of WAVES taking time to relax and enjoy their time off.

Musical Performances

The First All-Wave Band and other musical performances, including a concert on the steps of the National Capitol, highlight the talent and enthusiasm of WAVES. The band and choir were not only a source of entertainment but also a symbol of the contribution women made to the cultural fabric of wartime America.

🖼 Noteworthy Image: The First All-Wave Band – Demonstrates the diversity of talent within the WAVES and their contributions to both the military and the morale of the country.

Conclusion

This brochure offers a rich historical record of the WAVES' life in Washington, D.C., presenting an engaging combination of personal experiences and community dynamics.

It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the role of women in WWII, their contribution to the military, and the supportive environments created for them to thrive both personally and professionally.

The images, alongside the descriptions of daily life and activities, provide an engaging and informative look at a unique chapter in American military history.