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MP: Give recognition to Land Girls

31/ 1/2008

WOMEN who served in the two world wars should be recognised for their hard work.

That‘s the view of MP Paul Rowen, who is encouraging surviving members of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps to apply for a special badge.

The badges will be awarded by the government to surviving veterans, although not to the spouses or families of deceased veterans, unless they died after 6 December 2007.

At its peak in 1943 there were 80,000 members of the Women’s Land Army, and 6,000 in the Women’s Timber Corps.

Mr Rowen said: “Last year we had an overwhelming interest for the veterans badge that all ex-servicemen can wear with pride.

“I am very pleased that the environment secretary, Hilary Benn MP, is now going to recognise the hard work of Land Girls and the Timber Corps. These women played a very important role during the two world wars.

“I hope many female veterans from Rochdale apply for the badge. Their courage, spirit and selflessness is a model for all generations, and we all owe them a good deal of gratitude.

“Last year, I was very privileged to be able to invite to the House of Commons a group of ladies who had served our country in various ways, including in the Land Army.

“They are a very special group of ladies and they do Rochdale proud.”

To apply for a badge contact Paul Rowen’s office on 712186, or write to 142A Drake St, Rochdale OL16 1PS.