Triangle Girls with sparks that fly, Dazzle ships that trick the eye! Builders, makers, bold and keen, Women shaping what’s not been seen. With hammer, paint, or rivet true They built a world for me and you!
1. Triangle Girls, Portsmouth Royal Dockyard, First World War
When men left for the front, women stepped into skilled roles across the Dockyard. Locals called them the Triangle Girls after the brass badge they wore. They refitted and repaired ships, welded, and even worked on submarines. Their effort kept vessels moving and changed views of who could do this work.
Icon - Show a brass triangle badge, welding sparks and a riveted hull panel with the dates 1914 to 1918.
2. Norman Wilkinson and Dazzle Ships
Norman was a marine artist and naval officer with a smart idea in 1917. Instead of hiding ships, he used bold patterns to break up a ship’s outline and confuse enemy aim. The approach spread across many vessels.
Icon - You can link to Landing Craft F8 at the Dockyard, which has carried a Pride‑inspired dazzle scheme by artist Angela Chick. Draw a zig‑zag ship, a periscope view and the caption “Which way?”.
3. Blanche Thornycroft and CMB 4
Blanche worked in the Thornycroft family firm testing models and doing the maths that made fast small craft possible. Her work fed into Coastal Motor Boats during the First World War. In 1919 she became one of the first women admitted to the Institution of Naval Architects. At the Dockyard you can see the original CMB 4 upstairs and a volunteer‑built replica downstairs in Boathouse 4.
Icon - Picture a slim boat profile on a blueprint grid and a stopwatch for speed.
4. Betzy Shell, Boatbuilder
Betzy’s route into boatbuilding began with a box of inherited tools and a decision to train. She now works at Boathouse 4 on historic vessels and contributes to conservation linked to HMS Victory. She also features in exhibitions that raise the profile of women in maritime trades.
Icon - Draw a toolbox, curls of wood shavings, the big blue doors of Boathouse 4 and a simple Victory outline.
5. Belinda Joslin, Women in Boatbuilding
Belinda founded Women in Boatbuilding CIC to connect and support women across yards and marine trades. The network offers mentoring, events and a growing community that lifts skills and confidence.
Icon - Show a sail marked with small connection dots, a mic for talks and a tiny “WIBB” badge
