After campaigning for decades, women are finally being recognised for their hard work at home during the Second World War. DAVID MILLS hears the story of a former Land Girl.
PEOPLE often forget the role women played during the Second World War. Now their achievements and hard work are finally being recognised nearly 70 years later by the Government, which is awarding badges as a tribute.
While the men were out fighting in France and further afield, the women had an army of their own back home.
The Women's Land Army was set up in June 1939 as the prospect of Britain going to war became increasingly likely.
Women were needed to help farms to grow food for the nation.
By September 1939, the Land Army had more than 1,000 members.
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And by 1941, this had risen to 20,000 before reaching its peak at 80,000 in 1943.
The army, which disbanded in 1950, had its own uniform of green jerseys, brown breeches, brown felt hats and khaki overcoats.
Eileen Baldwin and one of her fellow Land Girls on a farm during the war
Most of the women lived on the farms where they took on all kinds of tasks, including hoeing, ploughing, turning hay, lifting potatoes, threshing, lambing and looking after poultry.
Eileen Baldwin, 81, who lives in Chislehurst High Street, is sending off her application for a badge which is being awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The mother-of-three was based at a farm in Welshpool in Wales.
Eileen, originally from Stoke-on-Trent, joined the Women's Land Army in 1942 at the age of 17.
She said: "I picked up potatoes and put them in sacks.
"I used to milk cows twice a day, and we had no machines to help us either.
"And I used to drive the tractor, do ploughing, spread muck, and help farmers with the harvest."
She added: "I used to have bread and butter with jam every day for lunch."
One of her fondest memories is winning a bet she had with a friend to ride a pig through the village square.
She said: "I was bet half a crown, which today would be worth about £1, that I could not stay on a pig's back in the main square for 10
minutes."
Eileen, who earned £4 a week as a Land Girl until she left in 1947, said recognition for the work women did during the Second World War had been a long time coming.
She said: "We have never been recognised.
"Once on a remembrance day many years ago they had one or two Land Girls in Parliament Square.
"It's been a long time coming
"The badge is a lovely idea, I will be delighted to receive it."
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn said: "It is absolutely right we at last recognise the selfless
efforts these women made to support the nation through the dark days of the Second World War.
"This badge is a fitting way to pay tribute to their determination, courage and spirit in the face of adversity.
"I hope as many eligible women as possible will apply for one."
Application forms for former Land Girls can be obtained from defra.gov.uk or by calling 08459 335577.
Posted by: Zara & Mick, Ireland on 10:09am Thu 6 Mar 08
Hi Nan,
Its about time you and the rest of the ladies are honour. You should also get a medal for being the best nan in the world.
All our love
Zara Michael and the boys[/italic]
Hi Nan,
Its about time you and the rest of the ladies are honour. You should also get a medal for being the best nan in the world.
All our love
Zara Michael and the boys
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