Women's Land Army veterans urged to get the recognition they deserve

12.00.00am GMT Mon 4th Feb 2008

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne is urging female war veterans to have their efforts recognised by applying for a new badge of recognition.

The badge will acknowledge those surviving members of the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps who worked on the Home Front to provide food and timber for the nation during World War I and II.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne said:

"It is absolutely right that at last we recognise the selfless efforts the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps made to support the nation through the dark days of World War I and II.

"In recognition of their tremendous efforts surviving members are now entitled to a specially designed badge. It's a fitting way to pay tribute to their determination, courage and spirit in the face of adversity.

"The Women's Land Army, colloquially known as the Land Girls, worked on farms to feed the nation, as the male workers went to war. At its peak in 1943 there were some 80,000 women working on the land, and it was continued after the war, finally being disbanded in 1950.

"With their uniform of green ties and jumpers and brown felt slouch hats, they worked from dawn to dusk each day, milking cows, digging ditches, sowing seeds and harvesting crops. They supplied the nation with food, supporting the war effort and avoiding food shortages.

"The Women's Timber Corps, also known as the 'Lumber Jills' worked tirelessly in the forests to provide timber for the war effort felling trees, sawing timber and sharpening saws.

"I hope I receive many, many applications for this important badge."

Notes:

Applicants should contact Chris Huhne MP, 109a Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9DR, phone 02380620007 or email chris@chrishuhne.org.uk. Applicants will need to supply date of birth, approximate dates of service in the Women's Land Army or Women's Timber Corps and the location at which they were stationed. Badges will not be able to be awarded to spouses or families of deceased members except where death has occurred after 6 December 2007. The badge is being specially designed by the Garter King of Arms and will bear the Royal Crown. It is expected that the first badges will be available by early summer.