The Women's Land Army is one of the lesser known branches of women who served during World War II. Thousands of women took to the land to keep Britain fed during the nation's darkest hour and have now been honoured with a new commemorative plaque to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Unveiled by Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs office, the plaque showcases the critical contribution of the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps to Britain's war effort and food security during the Second World War.
Carrying out essential farm duties such as harvesting, milking and even rat catching, over 100,000 women served in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War.
Those serving in the Women's Timber Corps, also known as the Lumber Jills, felled trees and produced timber for vital military supplies including rolled-up fencing used to support tanks on muddy terrain.
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Members of both organisations were not granted military status or medals at the war's end, leaving their contributions unrecognised for decades.
In 2007, the Labour Government introduced a commemorative medal scheme to honour surviving members with over 29,000 applications received from across the UK and as far away as Canada, Australia and the United States.
World War II
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: "It is an honour to see this plaque unveiled in tribute to the women whose dedication and resilience helped feed and supply a nation during some of its darkest hours. These women stepped up when the country needed them most, working the land to keep Britain's food and timber supplies. For too long their service went unrecognised, but justly – under the last Labour government – they finally received the acknowledgment they deserved.
"Their legacy lives on in the countless women who continue to shape and sustain our agricultural sector today. As we remember their sacrifice, we also look to a future where the role of women in farming and food production is not only acknowledged – but championed."
Clare Whittaker, granddaughter of Eilene Redding of the Women's Land Army said she is proud of her own grandmother, who 'left everything she knew to live on a farm and do a job she'd never done before, so the country had the food it needed, when it needed it most'.
VE Day
"I cannot begin to imagine what that was like and I am so pleased her role and the role of women like her, is being remembered on the 80th anniversary of VE Day."
The plaque ensures these women will be honoured and remembered, and serves as a permanent national reminder of these women's vital wartime service.
The application process for surviving members to receive commemorative badges continues to be managed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. For further information, visit GOV.UK.
