Land Army - Second World War Badge - 6th Jan, 2008

Sian has welcomed the decision to formally acknowledge the role of the Women’s Land Army in the Second World War.

The Government will acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps by presenting their surviving members with a specially designed badge commemorating their service and acknowledging the debt that the country owes to them.

The Women’s Land Army, often known as the Land Girls, worked on farms to feed the nation, as the male workers went to war. 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.

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. They supplied the nation with food, supporting the war effort and avoiding food shortages.

Sian James MP said: “The War was a team effort – everybody had to play their part and the Women’s Land Army did us proud. Like the Bevin Boys, the “Land Girls” kept the country running and it is entirely right that we honour their efforts.

If you are a Land Army Veteran, or know of one, then you will be able to apply for a badge in the new year – all public enquiries should be made by ringing 08459 335577