{"id":9818,"date":"2024-02-23T17:37:07","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T16:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/st-albans-and-district\/?p=9818"},"modified":"2024-03-03T14:00:35","modified_gmt":"2024-03-03T13:00:35","slug":"land-army","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/st-albans-and-district\/2024\/land-army\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Herstory – The Women’s Land Army in WW1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everyone learned some important “herstory” about British women in World War 1 on Mon 26 Feb. Soroptimist International St Albans and District were delighted to welcome Alex Amos to speak about \u201cThe Formation and Organisation of the Women\u2019s Land Army in WW1\u201d \u2013 this is of particular interest to Soroptimists because the organisation was founded in 1921, soon after WW1. The Women’s Land Army changed British women’s lives forever, and was vital for the outcome of the war.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Members of SI St Albans and District were joined by friends of Members and guests from Soroptimist Clubs as far afield as Bridgend and Lincoln \u2013 technology is a gift for connecting people.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Diana Kingham introduced guest speaker Alex Amos<\/strong>\u00a0who is a researcher with the\u00a0Luton Hoo Walled Garden Volunteer Project<\/strong> \u2013 where Diana is also a volunteer. Alex is pictured here on the Zoom call.<\/p>\n

We can’t publish Alex’s presentation materials on the website because some of it may be subject to copyright law for online publishing, but if you’d like to receive a copy please email sistalbans@hotmail.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

By 1914 the idea of women working on the land was degrading. Women wanted to better themselves and were getting educated and leaving working on the land. An Essex newspaper on 1st August 1914 reported, \u2018The wives and mothers should be in their own homes looking after the food and drink side of the men\u2019s life during this laborious season and paying increased not diminished attention to the bodily requirement of their husbands and sons\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>In WW1 it was very difficult to recruit women for the farm work.\u00a0 Wages varied depending on the farmer.\u00a0 They were meant to be paid a set rate of 20 shillings but this wasn\u2019t enforced so down to the farmer.\u00a0 Loneliness was an issue for the women.<\/p>\n

In 1915 training was introduced. The women trained for around 4 weeks, learning to milk cows, sometimes training on fake cows!<\/p>\n

In 1916 100,000 men were called up to fight so recruitment of women to work the land was imperative.<\/p>\n

Competitions were set up to encourage women to sign up. The competitions were on subjects such as milking, driving stock, weeding. \"\"<\/a>Advertising was put in cinemas, magazines. Certificates were introduced and this acted as a turning point as women were getting recognition for their role in the war: \u201cEvery woman who helps in agriculture during the war is truly serving her country just as the man who is fighting in the trenches or on sea\u2019<\/em><\/strong>\u201d. A uniform was introduced but the uniform was voluntary and women were expected to pay for it themselves.\u00a0 Many women were unable to pay for the uniform.<\/p>\n

There was a Women’s Land Army song to motivate the women – Alex played it to us, if you click on this web page there is a link for you to play and listen too: https:\/\/virtual-library.culturalservices.net\/webingres\/bedfordshire\/vlib\/0.wla\/wla_bedfordshire_land_army_song.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

First world war British recruiting poster for Women’s Land Army. British Government.Some men were exempt if they were in protected occupations such as farm workers.\u00a0 Once the women were trained up the women could take up these roles allowing the men to be called up.<\/p>\n

In 1917 the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA) was introduced. DORA enabled the government to take over 2.5 million acres of agricultural land. A grant of 10s per week was offered to farmers. 247 Training centres and 140 training farms were setup throughout the country<\/p>\n

Lady Wernher at Luton Hoo donated estate land for farmland. All women had to be over 20 years of age, pass a physical exam and provide references.\u00a0 They signed up for 6 month and 1 year contracts.\u00a0 They also had to pass an efficiency test.\u00a0 Once these requirements were met the uniforms were provided free and the wage was agreed. Women recruits received contracts and handbook.\u00a0 Women were told that their role was just as important as men in the war effort. This boosted morale and recruitment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
First world war British recruiting poster for Women’s Land Army. British Government.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The WLA Handbook<\/strong> required that every recruit promise:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. To behave quietly<\/li>\n
  2. To respect the uniform and make it respected<\/li>\n
  3. To secure eight hours sleep every night<\/li>\n
  4. To avoid communication of any sort with German prisoners<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In 1917 a uniform was set and made free to the women.\u00a0 Decorations were also added including a service arm let and 6 months stripes were provided.\u00a0 If they recruited 5 new members they were given ribbons which could be worn on their hats.<\/p>\n

    In 1917 the Women\u2019s Forestry Corps was formed – responsible for the supply of wood for industry and paper production. It had two sections: Measurers & Cutters \u2013 Skilled. Measuring and cutting trees, and Fellers \u2013 Physical. Sawing and handling of horses to drag trees.<\/p>\n

    1917 the Women\u2019s Forage Corps recruited 8,000 members.\u00a0 They were based at army camps and looked after the horses and involved in the supply and production of hay.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>Accommodation was rough. Many were housed in barns or huts where they lived with gangs of 10 girls for 3-6 months. They worked 10 hours a day. Later on standards were introduced to improve living conditions.<\/p>\n

    Lady Wernher lent Cooter\u2019s End, on the Luton Hoo estate as a training centre and hostel.<\/p>\n