Industry: Bell system facilities devoted to war effort

With extension of telephone service seriously hampered by shortages of central-office equipment, outside lines, and telephone instruments, one of the most consistent expansions occurred near military establishments, according to the annual report of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company for 1944. During the year special attention was given to service men returning from overseas, and particular emphasis was placed on meeting the needs of wounded and convalescent patients in Army and Navy hospitals. At many hospitals, portable bedside service is provided, and attended public telephone centers are equipped with such special features as booths large enough to accommodate a wheel chair or bed, amplifying equipment for the hard-of-hearing, and chest transmitters and head receivers for patients unable to hold the usual type of telephone.