The untold story of WWII’s all-women postal battalion
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was an inspirational group of diverse women in World War II. But what exactly did they do?
Image: Maj. Charity E. Adams and Capt. Abbie N. Campbell inspect the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion | Alpha Stock / Alamy Stock Photo
There are so many incredible stories from World War II. However, one story that doesn't always get the attention it deserves is the amazing accomplishments of the women in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
The battalion, known by its nickname ‘Six Triple Eight’, was mostly made up of African American women. However, according to the official website dedicated to the battalion, there was ‘at least one Puerto Rican and Mexican woman’.
The formation of the Six Triple Eight
The Six Triple Eight came about when it became clear that there were not enough soldiers to manage the postal service for the U.S. Army stationed overseas in Europe. This was a critical issue that severely affected morale.
The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps was set up in March 1942 to allow American citizens to contribute to the war. In July 1943, the group was changed to the Women’s Army Corps, or WAC. The members of this group went on to form the Six Triple Eight.
In 1944, women’s rights and civil activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune campaigned for black women to have the opportunity for more significant roles in the war. She and other African American political figures and civil rights groups voiced these concerns to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. This led to African American women being permitted to enlist in the WAC, though they still faced segregation.
After a lengthy training process, a unit called the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was formed to find a solution to the overseas mail problem.
Setting sail for Europe
On 3rd February 1945, the Six Triple Eight set sail to Glasgow from the United States. They had several close calls with German U-boats on the way and their ship had to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid confrontation.
A daunting task
After safely reaching Glasgow, the battalion left for Birmingham by train. On 4th March, the Six Triple Eight were organised and began work at a mail facility.
The task before them was overwhelming. They were met with warehouses filled to the brim with mail and working conditions were far from ideal. The women worked in dark, dank warehouses without heating and with painted-over windows.
Despite the conditions, the women established a system to sort the mail quickly and efficiently. They completed their task within three months, despite the estimated completion time being twice as long.
Onwards to France
The battalion was later transferred to Rouen in France. The situation was similarly dire, with mail backed up for three years. The women were given six months to complete this next assignment and again, it was done in three.
A Parisian welcome
It was in Paris where the Six Triple Eight battalion were given accommodations that were a little more inviting. The unit stayed in two fancy hotels and received meals cooked by the hotel chefs, as well as maid service.
The workload stayed the same, but there were fewer women to take it on, as a fair amount of the WACs were transferred home. By November 1945, 558 of the original 850 remained.
Returning home
On 27th February 1946, the Six Triple Eight sailed back to the United States. They were disbanded on 9th March 1946, but at the time, they received little to no recognition for their service.
Charity Adams Earley
It’s impossible to discuss the Six Triple Eight without mentioning their commanding officer, Charity Adams Earley. Adams was the first African American woman to become an officer when she was put in charge of the WACs. She became the highest-ranking African American woman by the time the war was over.
Adams was a strong and competent leader, as demonstrated by her achievements. She also helped maintain squad morale, by creating a beauty salon that catered to African American hair.
According to the Smithsonian website, Adams replied with ‘Over my dead body, sir’ when a general told her he would send a white lieutenant to her unit to show her how to run it properly.
Charity and the women of the Six Triple Eight undertook a huge, daunting task, but they succeeded and excelled. Their achievements are incredible, especially considering the discrimination they faced. The Six Triple Eight have more than earned their spot in the history books thanks to their remarkable service.
