Australian Women's Land Army records

Thesis: "The Australian Women's Land Army". Submitted as part of completion of a Research Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of History James Cook University of North Queensland. The thesis covers the history of the Australian Women's Land Army in Queensland between 1942-1945 and considers the social and material environment of the members and public and government opinion towards the women. 

The service record book no. 131 belonged to Doris Child who served between 18 August 1942 to 20 September 1945. The book indicates she enrolled in Brisbane and was released from service after two years and eleven months service. The reason for release is noted as "services no longer required". Included in the booklet is an Australian Women's Land Army Auxiliary handbook issued by Man Power 

The service record book no. 212 belonged to Mary Lavis who served between 21 February 1943 and 6 October 1945. The book indicates she enrolled in Brisbane and was released from service after two years and seven months service. The reason for release is noted as "to return to civilian employment". 

Australian Women's Land Army service record book issued in the name of Annie Isabel Bolton, Land Army no, P.54

Christmas card 'best wishes for Christmas and the New Year' annotated on the rear "This card is sold in aid of The Women's Land Army Benevolent Fund"

Signed declaration for special tobacco ration for ex-service personnel, issued in the name of Annie Isabel Bolton.

Information booklet issued to prospective members of the Australian Women's Land Army and Australian Women's Land Army Auxiliary

A green felt pennant with the Australian Women's Land Army emblem on the left. The main body of the material has "A.W.L.A"

The one page invitation calls for Australian Women's Land Army members to attend the fourth reunion at the Hotel Canberra 16 August, 1975. The RSVP is to Mrs Doris Young or Tarragindi. 

This invitation is addressed to the Australian Land Army Women for a second reunion dated 18 August, 1973. There is two copies of this invitation and it is signed by Beryl McLeish (nee Pender). 

The poem 'In Remembrance' has been written by ex-Land Army member Pamela Gosney and details the experiences of the Land Army girls. 
 

The poem "A Warning to girls About Where Not to Go!" warns 'girls' about the dangers of various Queensland locations. These locations include Castle Hill, Currajong, Pimlico, Picnic Bay, Aitkenvale, Hervey Bay and Burleigh Heads. 

The poem "The Cotton Pickers Ode" describes work in the cotton fields inferring that the work needs to be done while the war continues. The page has the words "Home Hill 1942 compliments of (unreadable)" in the right hand corner and "F.O. Taylor" written in the left-hand corner. 
 

The poem titled "Let's Call it a Day, Mr Day, Mr Day" has the by-line "Memories of Glen Aplin" and describes life on the farms for the Land Army girls. 

The poem "More Nonsense" has the by-line "A.W.L.A. H.Q. 6-4-45" and describes some Land Army girls applying at the headquarters for leave time. 

The first line of this handwritten poem reads "Mrs Pender our Land Chief so fair, sat one June day in office chair" - it describes the formation of the Women's Land Army in Queensland 

A one-page biography of Beryl McLeish (Mrs E.F. Pender), the State Superintendent of the Australian Women's Land Army in Queensland. This biography mentions her education at Gympie High School, appointment to the Public Service and her role as State Superintendent of the Australian Women's Land Army. There is also reference to her marriage to Mr E.F. Pender and later Mr D.M McLeish. 
 

The back and white copy of a photograph of Mrs E. F. Pender, State Superintendent of the Australian. Women's Land Army in Queensland, shows Mrs Pender in a Land Army uniform. 

The pamphlet outlines general information about the Land Army, pay rates, benefits, age limit and how to enrol. The back page of the pamphlet has an application for enrolment form which asks for name, address, age, present occupation and the name of the employment exchange that authorises the application. The enrolment form is addressed to the Women's Land Army Headquarters in Haywards Heath, Sussex. 

The pamphlet outlines the role of the Women's Timber Corps as part of the Women's Land Army for England and Wales discussing training, employment, wages and general information on holidays, sick pay, billeting and welfare. 

This pamphlet provides general information on Land Army membership including preparation for a farm work, what to take, insurance, general rules and uniform details. There is also mention of 'The Land Army' publication and information on the Benevolent Fund. 

This pamphlet outlines the Land Army Benevolent Fund and the service it provides to members. There is a section on the last page that can be detached with money to subscribe to the Fund with the address being WLA Headquarters in Haywards Heath, Sussex. 
 

The pamphlet outlines the progress of the Benevolent Fund detailing both credits and debits on the Fund. The inside page has a photograph of Lady Denman and Mr McCullough opening mail in response to a recent appeal. 
 

This pamphlet promotes an exhibition at Brisbane City Hall celebrating Queensland women's lives in the first 200 years. The pamphlet includes a list of conveners, open letters from both Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen and the Chairman of the Queensland Women's Committee and a map of the exhibition hall. The pamphlet also promotes a visit by the Queen on 14 April, 1970. 

This was the first issue of The Land Army Gazette Queensland. The first page article from the editors says that the gazette is intended to be published monthly. The gazette contains general information on the formation of the Land Army, news of uniforms and descriptions of work done at camps in Buderim and Victoria Point. The back page has information about the British Women's Land Army and letters from The Director General of Agriculture, Mr Bulcock and Chairman of the Fruit and Decidious Fruit Growers' of Queensland, Mr J.B. Ferris. 

This gazette is the second issue of The Land Army Gazette. There are general articles on 'Camp News', 'Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poet's Corner', 'Headquarter's Notes' as well as a mail section and general news. 

This gazette is the third issue of the Land Army Gazette. The first page article from the editors mentions the new army uniforms and the increase in camps. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Land Army Groups', Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poets Corner', 'Headquarters Notes', as well as mail and general news. 

This is the fourth issue of the gazette. The editors page discusses Christmas activities and wishes all its members well. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Land Army Groups', Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poets Corner', 'Headquarters Notes', as well as mail and general news. 
 

This is the fifth issue of the gazette. The editors page discusses visits to various camps in south-east Queensland. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Land Army Groups', Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poets Corner', 'Headquarters Notes', as well as mail and general news. 
 

This is the sixth edition of the gazette and the first printed edition. The front page is a letter from the Deputy Director-General of Manpower in Queensland. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Land Army Groups', Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poets Corner', 'Headquarters Notes', as well as mail and general news

This is the seventh edition of the gazette. The first page has birthday greetings for the Land Army from Commandant in Chief Zara Gowrie, State Commandant Winifred Wilson and the Director General of Manpower Wallace Wurth. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Land Army Groups', Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poets Corner', 'Headquarters Notes', as well as mail and general news. 

This is the eighth edition of the gazette. The first page has a letter from T.L. Williams, the Minister for Agriculture and Stock. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Land Army Groups', Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poets Corner', 'Headquarters Notes', as well as mail and general news. 
 

This is the ninth edition of the gazette. The first page has three photographs of Army women at work in the fields and involved in a march through Brisbane in October. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Land Army Groups', Tributes from Employers', 'Our Poets Corner', 'Headquarters Notes', as well as mail and general news. 
 

This  is the tenth edition of the gazette. The first page has a New Year message from the Director-General of Manpower W. Funnell. The gazette contains 'Camp Doings', 'Land Army Groups', , 'Poets Corner', as well as mail and general news. 

This is the eleventh edition of the gazette. The first page has a message from the Commandant-in-Chief of the Australian Women's Land Army the Duchess of Gloucester. The gazette contains 'Camp News', 'Welfare News', 'Poets Corner', as well as mail and general news. 

This is the twelfth edition of the gazette. The first page has news of a inspection by The Duchess of Gloucester. The gazette contains 'News from Members', 'Camp Doings', "Headquarters Notice Board' as well as mail and general news. 

This is the thirteenth edition of the gazette. The first page has letters of farewell to the Land Army girls of Queensland. The gazette contains discussion of the demobilisation of the Land Army service, farewells from around Queensland and notes of appreciation. 

This issue contains general news and photographs of the land army, headquarters notes, mail and benevolent fund notices. 

The two page script is dated November 1942 and calls on Queensland women to join the Australian Women's Land Army. It concludes with a poem about helping the war effort and joining the organisation. 
 

Noted at the top of this untitled script is "Broadcast authorised to be used throughout the State. Passed by censor November 9th 1942". The script calls on Queensland women to join the Land Army and work on farms and in fields throughout the State. 

This radio script was broadcast by Mrs E. F. Pender, Administrative Officer of the Australian Women's Land Army (Queensland) on Tuesday February 9, 1943. The broadcast discusses work life for the Land Army women harvesting fruit and vegetables, picking cotton and cattle work. Applications for service are to be sent to the Land Army Headquarters in Creek Street Brisbane. 

This radio script is hand-written by Mrs Atkinson "an officer in the field" and describes the working days of the Land Army women.

This script discusses conditions in the Land Army including rates of pay, leave access, uniform details and accommodation. The broadcast is read and signed by Annabel Philp, Superintendent. 

This script was broadcast by Mrs E.F. Pender, Administrative Officer of the Australian Women's Land Army. The broadcast discusses work life for the Land Army women harvesting fruit and vegetables, picking cotton and cattle work. 

The script discusses daily work for the Land Army women working on farms and reads aloud several letters from members in areas like Glen Alpin and Coominya. 

The broadcast is by E.F. Pender, State Superintendent of the Queensland Division and discusses the work and conditions of the Land Army. The script also thanks different groups like the Y.W.C.A, the Travellers Aid Society and the Country Women's Association who accommodate the women around the State. 

The script outlines the activities of the Land Army women throughout Queensland and was read by Mrs E. F. Pender, Administrative Officer of the Women's Land Army in Queensland. 
 

The script outlines life in the Land Army and has been read by Mrs Atkinson, Deputy Superintendent of the Australian Women's Land Army in Queensland. The script concludes with a poem about Land Army farming work. 
 

The letter is addressed to the Manpower Office in Brisbane and discusses reserving broadcast times by the Australian Women's Land Army. 

The letter is a memo to Mrs B Pender approving her appointment as Superintendent of the Australian Women's Land Army, Queensland as from 20 July, 1943. The letter is signed Frank E Walsh, Deputy Director general of Man Power Queensland. 

The typed letter is not addressed to a particular individual but discusses the Dairying Industry Award as it applies to members of the Land Army. The letter is signed by F. E. Walsh, Deputy Director General of Man Power Queensland. 

The letter is addressed to Mrs Pender and refers to a request to receive information about the English Women's Land Army. The letter carries the letterhead of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the sender address is the Women's Land Army in Haywards Heath, Sussex. 

There are three drafted letters, all identical, about an upcoming reunion of Land Army women. One draft is addressed to The Duchess of Gloucester but is incomplete. The second draft is addressed to The Baroness Elliot of Harwood, House of Lords, London and the third draft is addressed to Dr Edith Summerskill, House of Parliament, London and dated 2 July, 1972. 

The letter is addressed to Mrs McLeish who is thanked for her invitation to the Land Army reunion on 8 July, 1972. The letter has a typed note in the top left-hand corner saying "this is from a member of the English Women's Land Army who was present at our reunion on 8th July, 1972". There is a note on the bottom of the letter in red pen (indistinguishable). 

This typed list of names is alphabetical order with the surname first and underlined and followed by the first name. In brackets after the maiden names and in some cases there is no first name only "Mrs". This particular list is attached to a letter of invitation to the second re-union and is signed by Beryl McLeish. 

These typed names are listed alphabetically with the women's address. There is a middle column titled "Where worked" and on the right hand side of the page a column titled "Amount/Banked donation". Several of the listed names have pen-written additions such as new addresses, postcodes, and what appear to be phone numbers. One of the names has a "deceased" message written next to it. 

Two pages of typed names in alphabetical order with the surname first, first name and then the maiden name in brackets. Some of the names have neither a first name or maiden name and just have "Mrs" beside the surname. One name "Olga Denning" has the pen-written words "deceased 26/11/73" 

Two pages of typed names in alphabetical order with the surname first, first name and then the maiden name in brackets. Some of the names have neither a first name or maiden name and just have "Mrs" or "Miss" beside the surname. There is a hand-written note on the top of the page in red pen which says "My Copy". 
 

Two pages of typed names in alphabetical order with the surname first, first name and then the maiden name in brackets. Some of the names have neither a first name or maiden name and just have "Mrs" beside the surname. Several of the names have nicknames in quotation marks next to the surname. Two pen written names are also on the lists, one is "Tiddles" which is next to the name Mavis Mathis. 

These typed pages have page numbers from 2 - 9 with three copies of page 2 and three copies of page 4 inclusive. On the left of the page is the surname followed by the first name and a maiden name in brackets. On the right of the page is a dollar amount and a date ranging from June 1972 - August 1972.

This four paged typed history details the establishment of the Queensland division of the Land Army including information on where the women worked, pay, uniform, accommodation, visits by dignitaries and regular events like processions. There is an additional copy of this item that has red pen marks on it indicating corrections. On the front page has been written "Sent Mrs Davidson Feb 1970". 
 

The first page appears to be a contents page of the document listing the information that is covered including conditions of pay, officers and staff in Queensland, visits to the Land Army, parades and general information. The second page of the document has a list of page numbers and photograph descriptions. (9 copies)
 

Information covered in this document includes conditions of pay, uniforms, descriptions of Land Army camps, officers and staff in Queensland, visits to the Land Army, parades and general information. (3 copies)
 

This hand-written history of the Land Army claims to be condensed from the book "History of the Women's Australian National Services 1940-1946". On the back of the second page is written "from E (?) Ford, N.S.W." 

This hand-written page details some history about the Land Army published in newspapers of the time. On the back of the page is written "from Mary Miller, N.S.W". There is a summary of an article from 'The Gosford Times' dated December 16, 1941 Gosford about the opening of a hostel for Land Army girls in NSW. 

This history begins with a few lines from a poem called 'The Spirit of the Land Army' and recounts a personal experience in the Land Army. 
 

These clippings cover life in the Land Army in Queensland during the period from 1942-1945. The clippings include coverage of Land Army girls on cotton farms in the Theodore district, the appointment of Mrs E. F. Pender as State Superintendent and a visit by the High Commissioner for India Sir Raghunath Paranjpye.

The newspaper clippings detail a Women's Historical Exhibition being held at Brisbane's City Hall in April as part of the Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Celebrations. One clipping from the Sunday Mail is attached to a typed page discussing the visit by the Queen to the exhibition and asks former Land Army women to volunteer their time at the display. 

The newspaper and magazine clippings cover discussion of an upcoming reunion of Land Army women to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the army. Some of the newspaper clippings have been taken from the Sunday Mail, The Courier-Mail, The Griffith Times, Tumut and Adelong Times, The Western Advocate and a "Townsville" paper. One clipping has been taken from the Women's Day magazine and is dated October 25, 1971. 

A one page typed notice entitled "The Visit to Queensland of H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth April 1970". This notice discusses an upcoming display of women's services during the Captain Cook Bi-Centenary celebrations and calls on ex-Land Army girls to make themselves available for a roster to assist with the display. 
 

The one page document discusses the Queensland division of the Land Army's reunion on July 8, 1972 at Hotel Canberra to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation of the service. The page details information about the photographs at the reunion and the messages sent from people such as Mr Gough Whitlam, the Honourable Bob Katter and the Duchess of Gloucester.

The one page document discusses the Queensland division of the Land Army's reunion on July 8, 1972 at Hotel Canberra to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation of the service. The page details information about the photographs at the reunion and the messages sent from people such as Mr Gough Whitlam, the Honourable Bob Katter and the Duchess of Glouchester. The document also reports how the Courier-Mail gave the event plenty of pre-publicity. 
 

A two paged document detailing the facets of the Land Army in the UK including, accommodation, qualifications, training, uniforms the Benevolent Fund and other conditions of employment. The document has come from the Women's Land Army Headquarters in the UK.