VE Day plaque to honour Women's Land Army and Timber Corps

At the end of the Second World War, the Women's Land Army (WLA) and Timber Corps were not granted military status or medals, as they were classified as civilian organisations. Despite their vital contributions, their service went unrecognised for decades

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But now, thousands of women who kept Britain fed during the Second World War have been honoured with a new commemorative plaque to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Unveiled by Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs office, 2 Marsham Street in London, the plaque recognises the critical contribution of the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps to Britain's war effort and food security during 1939-45. Over 100,000 women served in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War, carrying out essential farming duties from general agriculture to pest control, thatching and ditch digging. Members of the Women's Timber Corps, known as the "Lumber Jills," felled trees, produced timber for pit props, and created vital military supplies including rolled-up fencing used to support tanks on muddy terrain. Despite their crucial civilian service, members of both organisations were not granted military status or medals at the war's end, leaving their contributions unrecognised for decades. Following a successful campaign, the Labour government introduced a commemorative medal scheme in 2007 to honour surviving members. The response was overwhelming, with over 29,000 applications received from across the UK and as far away as Canada, Australia and the United States.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: