The first group of WRAFs arrived in France to begin their overseas service. Later in the year a decision was made to send a contingent to Germany. Their purpose was to assist the army of occupation and to replace men demobilised from the forces. Based in Cologne, they were employed as domestics, clerks, telephonists, nurses and drivers and became known as the 'Ladies of the Rhine'. Dedicated and diligent, they also helped raise RAF morale by staging sports days and dances.