The Land Girls: How Women Stepped Forward to Feed a Nation at War
We have been learning a lot about the people who served
during the world wars. And we often first think of the men and women who were
serving abroad, but many served at home too. I want to talk about the Womens
Land Army. A strong army of women who helped feed the nation in war.
During the
First World War, with so many men leaving farms to fight, Britain was facing a
growing food crisis. Imports were under threat from enemy submarines, and the
country needed to produce more food at home. In 1917, the government introduced
the Women's Land Army to help fill that gap, and it was later revived again in
1939 at the start of the Second World War, which is the one most are familiar
with.
They were overseen by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries
in the First World War and then the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Women from all walks of life volunteered. Some came from
cities and had never set foot on a farm in their life, while others already knew
what rural life was like. Many women signed up because of a sense of duty, though they
did not always fully understand the work involved. When they first arrived, the
reality could be quite a shock. The countryside could feel lonely, and the work
was far more physical than anything many if them had done before.
The Land Girls of the First World War were usually dressed
in simple, hard-wearing clothes, but there was no real uniform.
During the Second World War they were issued a uniform. It
quickly became recognisable: brown corduroy breeches, a practical green woollen
jumper, beige blouse, grey wool socks and brown sturdy boots. There was also a
tie and green felt hat worn for more formal occasions. It was designed for work
rather than style. The women worked long and exhausting days. They milked the cows,
planted the crops, harvested the fields, and even cared for livestock no matter
what the weather was like. For many, the
physical work was one of the hardest parts to adjust to.
Food varied depending on placement. On some farms, meals
were simple but fresh and filling, sometimes even better than what people in
cities were managing with rationing. On others, it could be quite basic, and
shortages were still a reality. It was not always consistent.
One of the most unexpected parts of their experience was the
people they met. Women from very different backgrounds found themselves living
and working side by side. Friendships were made between women who may never
have met in everyday life, and for many, it was their first taste of
independence.
Before the wars, a lot of women- especially the younger,
unmarried ones -were expected to stay close to home. Their lives revolved
around domestic jobs, or limited job options outside the home. Decisions were
usually influenced by their parents or social expectations.
They were also earning their own wages. Although their pay
was generally lower than the male agricultural workers. It might not have been
much, but it was theirs. They could spend it, save it, or send it home. That
financial independence, even on such a small scale, was something many had
never experienced before.
Their daily lives were different too. Instead of being told
what was expected of them in a traditional sense, they were doing essential,
skilled work -feeding the country. They learned new abilities, made decisions
on the job, and proved to themselves and to others, that they were capable of
physically demanding labour.
At first, not all locals were welcoming. Some farmers
doubted whether the women could cope with such demanding work, and there could
be a lack of trust. But the Land Girls gradually proved themselves.
They still found time for fun. Their were dances of course.
And the shared laughter after a long day. There was a strong sense of
camaraderie that helped to carry them through the hard times.
Their contribution was essential. Without them, Britain’s
ability to feed itself would have been in serious danger.
How do you think taking on such roles might have changed how
these women viewed their place in society afterwards?
Image info:
Eileen Barry, Audrey Willis, Betty Long and Audrey Prickett
after a day rat catching, whilstof training on a Sussex farm. Farmer Giles
brings them a jug of fresh milk to add to their tea.
Date: 1942
