During the tumultuous years of the First and Second World Wars, the Women’s Land Army (WLA) played a crucial role in keeping Britain fed. In North Yorkshire, with its vast expanses of farmland, the contributions of these hardworking women were particularly significant. They took on the responsibilities of male farmworkers who had gone to war, ensuring that agriculture continued to thrive despite the challenging circumstances.

Recruitment into the Women’s Land Army in WWII

With the outbreak of the Second World War, the British government launched a widespread recruitment campaign to encourage women to join the Women’s Land Army. Posters, radio broadcasts, and newspaper advertisements emphasized the importance of food production for the war effort. Women from all backgrounds

, including city dwellers with no prior farming experience, were encouraged to sign up. Recruitment offices were set up across the country, and volunteers underwent basic training before being assigned to farms in regions like North Yorkshire. The work was voluntary at first, but as the war progressed and demand for agricultural labour increased, conscription was introduced for women into the WLA.

To help maintain morale and foster a sense of unity among the Land Girls, the government published the “Land Girl” magazine. This publication provided updates on agricultural practices, advice on farm work, and stories from fellow recruits. It also served as a platform for sharing experiences, letters, and achievements, reinforcing the strong community spirit among those serving in the WLA. The magazine played a vital role in keeping the Land Girls informed and motivated throughout the war.

Figure 1 : Magazine cover a ‘THE LAND GIRL’ which was a magazine that was offered to the women in the WLA. Source: https://www.womenslandarmy.co.uk/archive-material/the-land-girl-ww2/

Uniform and Badges of the Women’s Land Army

The Women’s Land Army had a distinctive uniform designed for practicality and durability. It typically

consisted of a green wool pullover, brown corduroy breeches, knee-length socks, and sturdy lace-up boots. A fawn-coloured overall or dungarees were also issued for farmwork, along with a felt slouch hat adorned with the WLA badge.

The badges worn by the Land Girls signified their service and achievements. The main badge featured a sheaf of wheat encircled by the words ‘Women’s Land Army.’ Additional stripes or insignia were awarded to those with years of service or expertise. These badges served as symbols of pride and recognition for the hard work and dedication of the Land Girls.

In addition to their badges, Land Girls who demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in their agricultural work had the opportunity to earn the Proficiency Certificate. To qualify, they had to pass a test assessing their farming abilities.

• Pulling and topping two rows of sugar beet
• Spreading two rows of manure
• Identifying different plants and weeds
• Answering questions on general farming

Those who achieved this certification were awarded a special proficiency badge, signifying their expertise and commitment. This recognition not only provided a sense of achievement but also helped some women secure jobs in agriculture after the war.

Figure 2: WLA Proficiency Certificate Awarded to women who passed the test. This was rewarded to a Miss M. Pickard. Source: Eden Camp Archives, 6482, Certificate – Women’s Land Army proficiency certificate – pest destruction – Miss M. Pickard – June 1945

The Role of the Women’s Land Army

The Women’s Land Army was established in 1917 during the First World War and was reformed in 1939 with the outbreak of the Second World War. The women, often referred to as ‘Land Girls,’ undertook demanding agricultural work, including ploughing fields, harvesting crops, milking cows, tending to livestock, and controlling pests. Pest control was a crucial part of their responsibilities, as infestations of rodents and insects threatened food supplies. Land Girls were often tasked with setting traps, using pesticides, and keeping farm buildings free from vermin to protect stored grain and livestock. Many had never worked on farms before and had to quickly adapt to the physically demanding tasks.

Life as a Land Girl in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire’s agricultural landscape provided both opportunities and challenges for the Land Girls. They lived in hostels, on farms, or with local families and often faced harsh weather conditions, long hours, and tough manual labour. One notable hostel was at Stockton House, which accommodated around 50 Land Girls. Remarkably, Stockton House still stands today, serving as a lasting reminder of the women who lived and worked there during the war.

Despite these hardships, camaraderie among the women was strong, and many formed lifelong friendships. However, not all Land Girls looked back on their time with fondness. The work was gruelling, and the rural lifestyle was an immense shock for many, particularly those from urban backgrounds. Some struggled with the isolation and the strict rules imposed on them, while others found the physical demands overwhelming. Though they played a vital role in sustaining Britain’s food supply, it was not always an experience they enjoyed in the moment.

Training was provided, but much of the work was learned on the job. The tasks varied seasonally, from planting and weeding in the spring to bringing in the harvest during late summer and autumn. The work was vital to sustaining Britain’s food supply, particularly during wartime rationing.

Recognition and Legacy

After the war, the Women’s Land Army was disbanded, and many women returned to their pre-war lives. However, their contributions were not forgotten. In recent years, efforts have been made to formally recognize the role of the Land Girls, including commemorative plaques and memorials in North Yorkshire and beyond.

Today, their legacy lives on in the countryside they helped to cultivate and, in the stories passed down through generations. The Women’s Land Army played a pivotal role in Britain’s wartime history, demonstrating resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to their country.

Further Reading

For a comprehensive resource on the Women’s Land Army, visit www.womenslandarmy.co.uk. This website provides extensive information, including personal stories, historical records, photographs, and details about uniforms, badges, and recruitment. It serves as a valuable hub for anyone looking to explore the history of the Land Girls in greater depth.

The Women’s Land Army remains an inspiring chapter in North Yorkshire’s rich history, reminding us of the strength and perseverance of the women who stepped up when their country needed them most.