During World War II, thousands of women stepped forward to take on critical roles traditionally held by men, ensuring the continued operation of essential industries. One such remarkable group was the Women’s Timber Corps (WTC), a division of the Women’s Land Army in Britain. Often overlooked, these hardworking women played a vital role in sustaining the country’s timber supply, which was crucial for the war effort.

The Formation of the Women’s Timber Corps

Established in 1942, the Women’s Timber Corps was created in response to a dire need for lumber to support the war. The German invasion of Scandinavian countries such as Norway had cut off Britain’s previous timber supplies, and Canadian ships, which had previously transported timber, could no longer spare the space as food and armaments took priority. As a result, women were urgently required to work for long periods in the forests. Timber was needed for constructing aircraft, ships, railway sleepers, and even pit props for coal mines. Due to the heavy nature of the work, recruits underwent stricter medical examinations compared to Land Girls. With many men serving in the armed forces, the forestry industry faced a severe labour shortage. The government turned to women to fill this gap, training them in forestry skills and deploying them across the UK.

Life and Work in the WTC

Women who joined the Timber Corps, often referred to as “Lumber Jills,” underwent intensive training in tree felling, sawmilling, log transportation, and other demanding forestry tasks. Despite the physically gruelling nature of the job, these women worked tirelessly in forests, often in harsh weather conditions, to ensure a steady supply of wood. They lived in hostels or billets near their assigned locations, forming strong bonds of camaraderie.

The work was dangerous and required great skill. Using axes, saws, and horse-drawn carts—or in some cases, mechanized logging equipment—the women harvested, processed, and transported timber efficiently. Not only did they carry out the physically demanding labour, but they also took on leadership roles, directing male workers on which trees to fell and how best to manage the forestry operations. Many Women’s Timber Corps (WTC) members took great pride in their contributions, though their work often went unrecognized compared to other wartime roles.

Legacy and Recognition

Despite their essential contributions, the Women’s Timber Corps was officially disbanded in 1946, and their efforts were largely forgotten for decades. Unlike other wartime service groups, members of the WTC did not receive formal recognition at the time. However, in recent years, historians and advocacy groups have worked to shed light on their achievements. In 2007, a memorial was unveiled in Scotland to honour the Lumberjills and their dedication to the war effort.

Today, the legacy of the Women’s Timber Corps serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, determination, and skill of the women who stepped up when their country needed them most. Their story continues to inspire future generations, highlighting the vital role women have played in industries traditionally dominated by men.