Some WG Land Army Girls in World War Two

The Girls were paid 28s per week, 14s of which went on bed and board.  They worked a 48 hour week in winter and 50 hours a week in summer and, until the introduction of the Land Girls Charter in 1943, did not get holiday. The Charter raised the minimum wage and allowed for one week’s holiday per year.  They lived either on the farm, in hostels, or local digs provided for them.  Some worked locally to their home, as was the case with some of Wisborough Green’s girls, while others, such as ‘Cissie’ Richardson came from farther afield (see table).

Land Girls’ distinct uniforms included a green jersey, tan breeches, long socks, brown shoes, large brimmed brown hats, green ties, and beige shirts.  They would often add pins and armbands that would denote length of service.  If out and about, WLA members were expected to dress smartly and according to the dress code.

The WLA continued to operate beyond the end of the Second World War, officially disbanding in November 1950.

This is an edited version of an article that first appeared in the July 2024 edition of the Wisborough Green Historian, the magazine of the Wisborough Green History Society .

Andrew Strudwick