Martha McKirdy

• Biography

  Attribute	Value
  Biography	Martha McKirdy, known as 'Mac', was the first woman to work as a pump linesman during the war, reporting to the Lifts and Escalators department at Baker Street. McKirdy was responsible for pumping water out of 10 underground stations on her beat, beginning at Charing Cross and ending at Eastcote in one direction, and at Boston Manor in the other. Attending one machine in Trafalgar Square three times a day. At five stations the pumps were automatic, but still needed inspecting once a day. Her duties included: small repairs, pumping underneath platforms, using electrically driven manual or automatic pumps, discharging the seepage into the sewers. By 1944 there were two other women on the team of pumpers.
  Employment	London Transport,
  Role	Pump linesman,

• Associated companies, people and places

  Places

  Place	Baker Street,