NEWS RELEASE
Date: 6 December 2007
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Formal recognition for wartime women who worked on the land
The Government will recognise the selfless efforts of thousands of women who worked on the Home Front to provide food and timber during World War II, Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment announced today.
The Government will acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps by presenting their surviving members with a specially designed badge commemorating their service and acknowledging the debt that the country owes to them.
The Women’s Land Army, colloquially known as the Land Girls, worked on farms to feed the nation, as the male workers went to war. At its peak in 1943 there were some 80,000 women working on the land, and it was continued after the war, finally being disbanded in 1950.
With their uniform of green ties and jumpers and brown felt slouch hats, they worked from dawn to dusk each day, milking cows, digging ditches, sowing seeds and harvesting crops. They supplied the nation with food, supporting the war effort and avoiding food shortages.
The Women’s Timber Corps, also known as the ‘Lumber Jills’ worked tirelessly in the forests to provide timber for the war effort felling trees, sawing timber and sharpening saws.
Hilary Benn will present the badges to the first group of recipients at a ceremony to be held next year. Mr Benn said:
“The Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps made a vital contribution to this country during the second world war. Supplying the nation with food and timber during the dark days of war was no easy task. These women worked tirelessly for the benefit of their nation. Their selfless service to the country deserves the recognition that this badge will represent. I look forward to meeting some of the veterans and presenting them with their badges.”
Welcoming the announcement, wartime Land Girl, Hilda Gibson, said:
“To serve one’s country in its greatest hour of need, in whatever capacity, for me remains memorable. To receive an award honouring the wartime work of the Women’s Land Army is a powerful and touching recognition.”
Also commenting on the news, former Land Girl, Mildred Bowden said:
“I would like to say a very big thank you to the MPs of today who have taken the time to recognise the valuable work the Women’s Land Army did in the 2nd World War.”
For photos and poems for press use please contact Liz Grundy in Defra press office 0207 238 5608.
Notes to editors
- Applicants will be asked to supply evidence of their eligibility by submitting a simple application form. This form is expected to be made available in the early part of next year.
- Badges will be awarded to surviving members as of 6 December 2007. Badges will not be made available to descendants of deceased members, except any who die after the 6 December 2007.
End
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Page published: 6 December 2007