Land Girls- The Women's Land Army
•The Women's Land Army (WLA) was established in World War One, but was re-founded shortly before the outbreak of World War Two, in June 1939.The government feared that if war broke out there would be food shortages and as many male farm workers were expected to join up it left a shortage of labour. The government was also keen to increase food production by reclaiming pasture and unused land for growing crops.
•Women were initially asked to volunteer for the WLA. However, in December 1941 the government passed the National Service Act, which allowed the conscription of women into the armed forces or for vital war work. At first only single women between 20 and 30, and widows without children, were called up, but later the age limit was expanded to include women between 19 and 43. Women could choose whether to enter the armed forces or work in farming or industry. By 1943, more than 80,000 women were working in the Land Army. They were nicknamed Land Girls.
•Women were initially asked to volunteer for the WLA. However, in December 1941 the government passed the National Service Act, which allowed the conscription of women into the armed forces or for vital war work. At first only single women between 20 and 30, and widows without children, were called up, but later the age limit was expanded to include women between 19 and 43. Women could choose whether to enter the armed forces or work in farming or industry. By 1943, more than 80,000 women were working in the Land Army. They were nicknamed Land Girls.
How much did they get paid?
Land Girls earned £1.85 for a minimum of 50 hours work a week. In 1944, wages were increased by £1 to £2.85. However, as the wages were paid by the farmer, rather than directly by the state, it was difficult to ensure that everyone was paid properly.
What did Land girls wear?
Jobs undertaken by women during the war included:
- mechanics
- engineers
- Tank drivers
- Building ships
- Working in factories - making bombs and aircraft parts
- Air raid wardens
- Driving fire engines
- Plumbers
- Ambulance drivers
- WRVS volunteers
- Nurses