British Land Girls' Work "Absolutely Vital" - PM
23 July 2008 -- The PM has held a special reception at Number 10 in recognition of 30,000 Land Girls and their service to the nation
during World War II.
Speaking to around 50 former members of the Women's Land Army and Timber Corps inside NUmber 10 today, the PM said:
"The Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps worked tirelessly in the war years to keep this country going by
providing food and supplies, and timber for the war effort. Their work was absolutely vital, and it is right that we
thank them now for their dedication in the service of their country."
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, presented the former Land Girls with their
badges of honour and spoke of the nation's "huge debt of gratitude" for their "determination, courage and spirit in the
face of adversity".
Former Land Girl Hilda Gibson, 83, was at 10 Downing Street today receiving her badge of honour. Hilda served with the
Women's Land Army from 1944-1946, carrying out pest control on Lincolnshire farms and then on a poultry farm in Norfolk.
She said:
"I was posted to a poultry farm in East Anglia, which was very physical work, but I was young, fit and enthusiastic. The
whole experience has stuck with me ever since. I think it's a really good idea to create these awards. Everyone had to
do their bit during the war and serving my country in its hour of need was a privilege."
The Women's Land Army worked on farms to feed the nation during the war as male workers went off to fight.
ENDS