Members of the Women's Land Army and Timber Corps (WLA&TC), who helped stock the nation's larders during World War II, have been honoured for their contribution at a unique ceremony at Islington Town Hall.
The 12 pensioners, now settled in Islington and ranging in age from 82 to 92, left their homes between 1939-1945 to work in the fields and forestry plantations of the English countryside.
Islington Council's Mayor, Cllr Stefan Kasprzyk said: "This recognition of the Women's Land Army's wartime work is most welcome and I am very proud to present these awards.
"We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the generation whose contribution enables us to live the way we do today."
The heavy work - including ploughing fields and felling trees - was made necessary by the loss of thousands of male agricultural workers, called up to fight in France and further afield as part of the Allies' long campaign.
For many the Town Hall awards were the first time they had met one another, with memories and stories shared over refreshments.
The medal ceremony in the historic surroundings of the Council Chamber, was presided over by Islington's Mayor, Cllr Stefan Kasprzyk and his Deputy Cllr Anna Berent, Islington's Older People's Champion.
Women's Land Army Girl Ellen Tack said: "We worked very hard - we did jobs that prisoners wouldn't do. But despite it all we had a wonderful time."
The huge increase in the number of working women during Britain's war effort is credited for a social revolution that helped advanced women's progress in British society.
The ceremony took place on Thursday 23 April.
ENDS
Note:
Greater London has 1,000 members of the WLA&TC. Countrywide celebrations and presentations for the 30,000 WLA&TC members have been taking place since 2008.
Page Last Updated: 12 June 2009