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Land Girls to receive badge of honour

23/07/2008

Former members of the Women's Land Army and Timber Corps will today be presented with badges of honour in recognition of their contribution during the second world war.

Fifty of the female war veterans, known as the Land Girls, will attend a ceremony at Downing Street to receive the medals from prime minister Gordon Brown and secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs Hilary Benn.

At its peak in 1943 the Land Army had some 84,000 members who worked in forests, sand mills and farms producing invaluable food and material, while merchant ships were struggling to cross the Atlantic.

Prime minister Gordon Brown 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."

Mr Benn added: "This nation owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Land Girls and the Lumber Jills - as they were affectionately known. During the dark days of the war they provided food for the nation and their contribution was as important as that of everyone who served.

"It's absolutely right that we recognise their commitment by the award of the long awaited badge and pay tribute to their determination, courage and spirit in the face of adversity."

The veterans had been campaigning for decades for formal acknowledgment of their efforts and expressed their happiness at finally receiving the praise they felt they deserved when the badges were announced back in January.

"This recognition has taken a long time coming," Hilda Gibson, 83, said earlier this year.

"I think it will be appreciated by the girls who are left. It is something that shows for a little time you did serve your country, and to serve your country in its hour of need is a privilege."

The work of the Women's Land Army was portrayed in a 1998 film for Channel 4 entitled The Land Girls, starring Rachel Weisz, Catherine McCormack and Anna Friel.