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Thousands of land girls receive badge of honour for war efforts

Old photo of Land Army GirlsFormer members of the Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps are set to be honoured today in a special ceremony to recognise their efforts to provide for the nation during World War II.

Fifty women have been invited to represent their former colleagues at a ceremony at Downing Street today, where they will meet the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn is to present the badges of honour.

The Women’s Land Army worked on farms to support the war effort and feed the nation, as the male workers went off to fight. 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. 

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.

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. 

Last December, Hilary Benn announced that surviving members of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps would receive formal recognition for the first time.

Gordon Brown said:

“The Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps worked tirelessly in the war years to keep this country going by providing food and supplies, and timber for the war effort. Their work was absolutely vital, and it is right that we thank them now for their dedication in the service of their country.”

Hilary Benn said:

“This nation owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Land Girls and the Lumber Jills – as they were affectionately known. During the dark days of the war they provided food for the nation and their contribution was as important as that of everyone who served. It’s absolutely right that we recognise their commitment by the award of the long awaited badge and pay tribute to their determination, courage and spirit in the face of adversity.”

Former Land Girl Hilda Gibson, 83, will be at No.10 Downing Street today receiving her badge of honour. She served with the Women’s Land Army from 1944-1946, carrying out pest control on Lincolnshire farms and then on a poultry farm in Norfolk. 

Hilda Gibson said:

“I was posted to a poultry farm in East Anglia, which was very physical work, but I was young, fit and enthusiastic. The whole experience has stuck with me ever since.  I think it’s a really good idea to create these awards. Everyone had to do their bit during the war and serving my country in its hour of need was a privilege.”

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Page published: 23 July 2008