This film is part of Free

Some War-time Types: The W.L.A. Girl

Rural bliss down on the farm for a happy recruit to the Women's Land Army

Documentary 1918 2 mins Silent

Overview

Farm work seems a breeze for this smiling Land Girl, as she milks a cow, spreads hay and pets a horse. Founded in 1915, the Women's Land Army picked up farm labour previously done by men who went to fight. Some women relished the chance to contribute and do jobs that were otherwise reserved for men, but others were more wary of the work - and the need to wear trousers. So films like this were designed to feminise the Land Girl's image. In that light, perhaps it was a mistake to muck out the pigs.