In March, 1917, after the break with Germany, the Navy stood in great need of clerical assistants in Washington and at all the shore stations. There was no appropriation to pay civilians for the work that was immediately necessary. Every bureau and naval establishment appealed for clerks and stenographers. How could they be secured at once? The Civil Service Commission could not furnish a tithe of the number required, even if there had been the money to pay them. "Is there any law that says a yeoman must be a man?" I asked my legal advisers. The answer was that there was not, but that only men had heretofore been enlisted. The law did not say "male." [Illustration: YEOMEN (F) IN LIBERTY LOAN PARADE, NEW YORK CITY The Yeomen (F) were regular yeomen, and they did yeomen service. Inset: Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, chairman of the Woman's Council, Council of National Defense, under whose direction the women of the United States were mobilized for war work.] [Illustration: U. S. S. CYCLOPS, THE COLLIER WHICH DISAPPEARED WITHOUT LEAVING A TRACE] "Then enroll women in the Naval Reserve as yeomen," I said, "and we will have the best clerical assistance the country can provide." It was done, and they were given the designation Yeomen (F)--not "Yeomanettes," but regular yeomen, the F indicating female. They were truly yeomen and did yeoman service. In the Marine Corps they were equally efficient, and were known as "Marinettes" or Lady Marines. "I do not wish to enroll as a Naval Reservist," said an independent young woman to the enrolling officer at the Washington Navy Yard, "until I know what ship I am to serve on." It was explained to her that women yeomen were not to go to sea. "But I want to go on the _Nevada_," she said, in tones of disappointment. These women yeomen, enlisting as reservists, served as translators, stenographers, clerks, typists, on recruiting duty, and with hospital units in France. Too much could not be said of their efficiency, loyalty and patriotism. Eleven thousand Yeomen (F), 1,713 nurses, and 269 Marinettes were enrolled. They were, I am informed, the only women serving during the war who were on the same footing as men with all allowances and pay and clothing outfits, and the only women eligible to membership in the American Legion. Those who made up the four companies in Washington became proficient in military drill. They made a handsome appearance when, upon the return of the Rainbow Division, they were the guard of honor to the President, having previously taken part, with other military units, in the welcome to President Wilson when he returned from Paris. They made a notable showing as they formed in double lines of spotless white uniforms as the presidential party passed through the Union Station at Washington to receive the enthusiastic welcome given by the multitudes.