WOMEN’S LAND ARMY

The origins of the WLA lie in WWI. German naval blockades had successfully impacted on Britain’s food imports and there was an acute shortage of farm labour as workers were needed for military service.

The WLA was set up by the Government’s Food Production Department, headed by Lady Trudie Denman. By 1918 there were 23,000 Land Girls.

Following Armistice Day (11th November 1918), shipping was once again unrestrained in being able to deliver food to Britain. Demobilisation enabled men to return home and the WLA was disbanded in 1919.

As the prospect of WWII emerged as being inevitable, the Government recognised the urgent need for Britain to grow more food. There was an estimated shortfall of some 50,000 agricultural workers, due to people having left the land to take up factory jobs, recruitment to the armed forces and general conscription.

The second WLA was officially formed in January 1939. Lady Denman was appointed Director and set up procedures for recruitment, training and welfare, using the experience she had gained in WWI

A Land Army Manual was prepared to provide advice about adapting to the new lifestyle which came as a culture shock to many, particularly city girls who had never previously been in the countryside.

The Land Army Girls were expected to work 48 hours a week in winter and 50 hours a week in summer, but many girls worked considerably more, especially at harvest times. There were specialist roles such as rat catching and also a Timber Corps. Following the surrender of German forces in 1945, servicemen began returning home and the WLA was gradually decreased in numbers, however, it was not until October 1950 that the WLA was officially disbanded.

“The Land Army fights in the fields. It is in the fields of Britain that the most critical battle of the war may well be fought and won.” Lady Denman, 1939