Women and World War Two

I must say how pleased I was to read this story on the BBC website -

Commendation for WW2 'Land Girls'

The "Land Girls" wore green ties and jumpers, plus brown felt hats
The "Land Girls", who worked on British farms to ensure food was supplied during World War II, are to receive a commendation recognising their efforts.
All surviving members of the Women's Land Army, which was 80,000-strong at its peak, will receive a special badge.

They "worked tirelessly for the benefit of the nation" during the 1940s, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said.

"Their selfless service to the country deserves the recognition that this badge will represent," he added.

'Lumber Jills'

The "Land Girls" wore green ties and jumpers along with brown hats.

Many of them kept working for five years after the war, until the Women's Land Army was finally disbanded in 1950.


A film about the Land Girls, starring Anna Friel (left), came out in 1998
Their work was an important factor in ensuring milk, vegetables and other homegrown produce could be distributed around the country at a time of rationing and shortages.

And there were also "Lumber Jills", in the separate Women's Timber Corps, who were based in forests and provided wood which could be distributed nationwide.

"Supplying the nation with food and timber during the dark days of war was no easy task," said Mr Benn, who will honour the first group of recipients next year.

"I look forward to meeting some of the veterans and presenting them with their badges."

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said anyone wishing to apply for the commendation should fill out an application form, which would be made available "in the early part of next year".

It has also set up a telephone hotline for enquiries about the badge, which is 08459 335577.

ENDS

Like I mentioned it my blog about remembrance day and World War One Women, women deserve to be recognised and not forgotten. I doubt there are many female survivors left of World War One, I believe if there was a great amount, they would be recognised to, after all the Women's Land Army has its routes in World War One. When Germany successfully ensured naval blockades to British food imports, which equated to up to 55% of food requirements, there was a great shortage in farm labour and 1917 was a year of chaos and impending famine. Women got together and formed the first WLA, which included ploughing, milking, herding and thatching. Some what 23,000 girls worked hard to save their country from disaster until 1919, when men who had survived returned home and food import channels were reopended. Therefore, to prevent this occuring again during World War Two, the WLA was readily set up with guidance from those who worked during World War One.

However, like I mentioned in my first blog regarding World War One, women should be recognised to a much greater extent, from both world wars.