Sailing in the 23,700 ton liner Stratheden from Tilbury today, which is on its post-war "maiden voyage" after being reconditioned from war service, are six excited young women who are trying out life in the merchant service for the first time. These girls will form part of the crew on the liners trip to Australia, and include two stenographers, Miss Margaret Searle ex-WAAF of fighter command, Miss Iris Cooper a former WREN, both of whom rank as junior officers and four telephonists who rank as petty officers. Picture shows: Miss Joan Poppleton pictured at work aboard the Stratheden this morning. 27 June 1947