W. A. A. F. physical training tables and recreational handbook

the long version

The book contains a set of tables of exercises which were compiled for the use of women Physical Training Instructors in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War. Each table is divided into three periods of a duration of eight, seven and ten minutes respectively. The aim of each table is to "exercise the whole of the muscular system harmoniously, to stimulate the vital functions of the body, and to induce a general feeling of bodily well-being by co-ordinating all the intricate systems of the human body." The Introduction declares "The pessimist is often the person who is physically unfit and depression is the inevitable companion of an unfit body." The 1st edition of this paper-backed handbook cost 6d in old British money (= £0.025). The title page contains the legend "Promulgated for the information of all concerned By Command of the Air Council Air Minisitry and is signed by Sir Arthur W. Street, K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., C.I.E., M.C. who was a Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Air. The front cover is marked "For Official Use" which among other things, meant it was not intended for the public domain and after use by the individual who obtained it, should have been returned to the issuing office for storage or destruction. More likely for this helpful booklet, Crown copyright applied and this expired in 1991.