Women In The War!

The Unseen Heroes: Women's Roles in War History

Julie Haines, President of New Malden Rotary gave a powerful and insightful talk about the WLA after a delicious dinner at the Cuddington Golf Club.

Julie Haines

The Women's Land Army (WLA) played a crucial role in increasing Britain's food production during the Second World War. It enlisted women from urban areas as the men went off to serve in the war.

The Women's Land Army (WLA)

Originally formed in 1917, but later disbanded and then reformed in 1941 and at its peak in 1944 had 80,00 women known as 'Land girls.' Many of these women had not even known what a cow was! Milking and distributing the milk from about 30 to 40 cows, morning and night. Rats and other vermin posed a serious threat to the supplies of food and animal fodder. With 50 million rats in Britain, teams of Land girls were trained to work in anti-vermin squads, also killing Foxes, rabbits and moles. 

A toast to women!

The WLA included a specialised forestry unit known as the Timber Corps. This group was responsible for felling trees and preparing them for use as pit props and telegraph poles. Members of this unit were referred to as 'Lumber jills.' They earned 28 shillings per week, with 14 shillings allocated for bed and board. Their work schedule consisted of 48 hours per week in winter and 50 hours in summer. 

The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) served as drivers, cooks, and waitresses in mess halls, accompanying the forces as they moved through France. They also worked in factories producing munitions. In October 2014, a statue honouring the WAAC and the Women's Land Army (WLA) was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Learn more here: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=920067&ClubID=884