2006/62/1

This is a Women's Land Army armband. It has a dark green background with a crown and 'WLA' in red stitching. It is attached by buttons fastenings; there are four button holes at one end, but no buttons. It belonged to the donor, who was a member of the WLA from April 1942 until December 1946. This armband was given to new recruits.

1 armband: material

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – '3 Women's Land Army armbands. // 2006/62/1 - Dark green background with crown and WLA in red stitching. // - 4 button holes at one end; no buttons. // 2006/62/2 - Bright red background; crown motif, WLA and four diamond shapes in green stitching; 2 button holes at one end, 2 brown buttons at opposite end. // 2006/62/3 - Dark green background with red stripe along top and bottom edge; crown motif, WLA and 2 diamond shapes in red stitching; 4 button holes at one end; 2 buttons at opposite end. // Dimensions // 1) 40 x 8.5cm (l x w) 2) 36x7.5cm (l x w) 3) 38 x 7.5cm (l x w), Letter, Lucy Shanks to Mr Phillips, 16 October 2006 – ‘I am writing this in case I miss you but I wanted to explain about the arm bands. When one first joined the WLA you were given a plain arm band but the longer you served, the bands became more decorated. We were issued with the half diamonds after every 6 months on the land, please see enclosed the letter from the County Secretary. Although she suggested sewing them on to the armbands I seem to remember we made a wider band that we wore on our greatcoat sleeve, a sort of status symbol!! I collected quite a few during the 4 ½ years service. // The tie was not standard issue but was brought out by the Tootal firm and we liked to wear it as we felt it brightened up our [?] shirts. I hope you will be able to find space for the oddments with the other WLA collectable items etc. I enjoyed my Land Army days but I was one of the lucky for many reasons.’, WLA Release Certificate – ‘Women’s Land Army (England & Wales) // Release Certificate // The Women’s Land Army for England and Wales acknowledges with appreciation the services given by // Miss L. M. Fidler // who has been an enrolled member for the period from // 29. 4. 1942 to 31. 12. 1946 // and has this bay been granted a willing release. // Date December 31st. 1946’, Letter, County Secretary to Miss Fidler – ‘Berkshire County Committee of the Women’s Land Army // Dear Miss Fidler, // It gives me much pleasure to send you the enclosed Good Service Badge, which is awarded for six months’ satisfactory employment on the land. This should be sewn on to your armlet.’

1942 - 1946