This is where the forgotten heroines of World War Two come to life. Discover their stories as told by Joanna Foat, the UK expert on the Women's Timber Corps. Joanna has not only brought their forgotten history to thousands of people worldwide but written a history book, a novel and created a stunning photobook from an archive of incredible black and white photos. So you can now immerse yourself in these captivating stories and see for yourself the freedom these brave, young, adventurous women experienced while in the forest.
An unforgettable evening at the Royal Albert Hall VE Day 80 Party 🎉 on Thursday 8th May 2025
What an honour to be joined by Lumberjills family members, some who travelled from as far as the Scottish Highlands, to see their mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers – the brave women of the Women’s Timber Corps – celebrated on stage during this powerful national commemoration 🇬🇧🌲
The tribute included charismatic performances of first-hand Lumberjill stories from the D-Day Darlings and a glorious performance of Woodchopper’s Ball, a Women’s Timber Corps favourite, with the RAF Squadronaires and Swing Patrol.
With stories that gave me goosebumps and music from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Zara McFarlane, Katherine Jenkins OBE, Lance Ellington and the fabulous D-Day Darlings, the audience was full of love, tears, and pride. Gratitude to The Makers Of for producing such a heartfelt, vibrant, and intimate event with an audience of over 5,000 people—which felt like one huge family.
Step back in time and discover the extraordinary women who became Britain’s Lumberjills during World War II.
This stunning photo book reveals never-before-seen images of the brave Women's Timber Corps who felled trees, worked in sawmills and drove timber haulage trucks to power the war effort.
Their stories of strength, resilience, and freedom will inspire generations to come.
%20(1).jpg?etag=%2212449d-66d8cf81%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=341%2B341&quality=85 "Lumberjills Britains Forgotten Army Audiobook Cover")
The original Lumberjills stories are brought to life by the natural, intelligent and alluring voice actor, Lucy Tregear.
"I feel like I am listening to the Lumberjills all over again! To hear their stories live on is so important, especially as all but one of the women I met have passed away." Joanna Foat
The front cover of The Lumberjills Stronger Together was selected as a GOLD Award Winner in the prestigious and internationally acclaimed Graphis Design Awards (2025).
‘Many of the Lumberjills I met were upset that they had not been recognised for their contribution to the war, so I wanted to make sure they were remembered. Now their incredible feats of physical and mental endurance and stories inspire women today. Given the freedom and opportunity to work together out in the forest, the Lumberjills became very strong and were a huge success.’
“It's wonderful to read these stories of the women who contributed so much to the war effort but were then forgotten about.
Thanks to Joanna's perseverance and determination, they are now being rightly honoured and remembered.”
"The hardback photo book is a beautiful gift and its wonderful photos truly bring stories about these incredible Lumberjills to life. Thank you for putting this photographic record together, Jo, and ensuring this part of history will be remembered for generations to come."
“Joanna Foat’s characters
are brilliantly drawn and so
wonderfully written, readers will end up missing them when they turn the last page.
Written with style, flair and heart, this evocative, entertaining and gloriously readable historical novel is a delight from beginning to end and I look forward to reading more books from Joanna Foat.”
© Copyright Joanna Foat 2025
.jpeg?etag=%229b08d-672d1526%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=1500,1034&quality=85 "Lumberjill laying in with an axe.")
.jpeg?etag=%22831dd-672d1527%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=1500,1041&quality=85 "Lumberjills crosscutting with bushman saw in woods")
.jpeg?etag=%2285ff6-672d1528%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=1500,1074&quality=85 "Burning lop and top in the woods")
