Regarding the Pictures showing Marshall and Snelgrove. This was a extremely high class Department Store and my sister Mary went to work there when she left School in the 1940's She recalls that it was operated very strictly, you could not leave your department (even for the Toilet ) without asking permission from your Supervisor. She worked in the Soft Furnishings, Curtaining etc. and remembers that the entrance had a Doorman to greet Customers.
When my Father died suddenly in Feb. 1948. She was allowed a day off to attend his Funeral on condition that the day was deducted from her Holidays.