In 2012, I had the incredible honour of marching to the Cenotaph alongside women who served in the Women's Land Army and Woman's Timber Corps during World War II. It was a deeply emotional moment as they laid wreaths to honour their service — a recognition that had been denied to these 200,000 women for over 50 years because they weren’t part of the fighting forces.
Among these remarkable women, were the “Lumberjills,” some 15,000 young women who rolled up their sleeves to work in Britain’s forests up and down the country in the Women’s Timber Corps. Armed with with axes and saws, they felled giant trees, drove timber haulage trucks and braved dangerous saw mills. This was a far cry from the childcare, domestic service, hairdressing and secretarial work they had left behind.
Their stories captivated me. So I travelled the country to meet sixty of these courageous women. Their accounts of injuries and sacrifices were heartbreaking—some lost fingers in sawmill accidents, others faced life-altering injuries, and some even lost their lives. Despite the hardships, they spoke more of their frustration and hurt at being forgotten after the war, receiving no recognition for their vital contributions.
Yet, out of the forests, they found something extraordinary - freedom. The demanding work in the forests offered these women an escape from the rules of society and the expectations of women in the 1940s. In taking on this tough, physical work, they defied gender stereotypes. Their work as Lumberjills gave them strength, courage, and confidence—teaching them that they could accomplish anything. They cherished the wild freedom of the forests and the lifelong bonds of sisterhood they formed.
As we observe the two-minute silence at 11 o'clock on the 11th day of the 11th month, let us remember these forgotten women who served not only in World War II but also in World War I. In seeking their own freedom in the forests, the Lumberjills made an invaluable contribution to the war effort, helping to protect the freedoms of others around the world.
And let us not forget the sacrifices made by nature. During World War I and II, more trees were felled from British forests than at any other time in history. Indeed, we owe so much to our precious natural world for the part it played in these global struggles.
“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 Lumberjills Britains Forgotton Army is a true story full of anecdotes about the girls doing their bit during the Second World War, reminding us of the incredible hard work they undertook helping to keep Britain Safe.”
“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 2024
