Today 50 ‘Land Girls’ and ‘Lumber Jills’, representing the surviving members of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps, will go to 10 Downing Street for a formal ceremony attended by Gordon Brown where they will be presented with their badges.

Hilda Gibson, a wartime Land Girl said:

“To serve one’s country in its greatest hour of need, in whatever capacity, for me remains memorable. To receive an award honouring the wartime work of the Women’s Land Army is a powerful and touching recognition.”

Hilda wrote a poem about her land girl experiences which you can read here

There are also regional events planned to mark the formal recognition of the women’s role in the war effort and any women who served in the WTC or WLA can apply for their badge and certificate by contacting DEFRA.

According to the BBC over 30,000 applications for the commemorative badges have been received so far.

Enjoy your day in the sun ladies, it’s long overdue!