Object number
2009/7/1-5
Title
Women's Land Army and Timber Corps,
Exhibition
Creator
Description
These certificates and medal were given to Edna Cross, of Reading, in recognition of her work in the Women's Land Army and Timber Corps. The medal consists of a painted metal badge, with a clasp and pin mechanism on the reverse. The medal is inscribed with 'Women's Land Army and Timber Corps' and a leaf and crown motif. It is kept in a green box, and was made by 'Firmin & Sons', a firm established in 1677. One of the two certificates is signed 'Elizabeth R' and dated 20/11/1950, whilst the second is signed 'Gordon Brown' and dated 07/2008.
Physical description
1 badge, box and lid, 2 certificates; metal, paper
Label Text
'Women’s Land Army medal and certificate // The Women’s Land Army was originally started during the First World War. The start of the Second World War led to fears of food shortages and starvation. The Land Army was established once again to help address these concerns. By 1943 around 80 thousand women, some as young as 17, were each working 50 hours a week to feed Britain. // Although the Women’s Land Army ended in 1950, it was not until 2000 that they joined the Remembrance Day march. It was not until 2007 that these women received a medal to thank them. This medal and certificate were given to Edna Cross, who is thought to have worked as a gardener for the University of Reading after the war. // Label written by Rebecca MacRae (Ancient History and History).' [Displayed with only four of the five parts, excluding the earlier certificate].
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Painted metal medal badge with clasp and pin mechanism at rear - reads 'Women's Land Army and Timber Corps' - leaf + crown motifs; houses in green box (2 parts); two associated certificates, one signed 'Elizabeth R' dated 20/11/1950 and the other signed 'Gordon Brown' and dated 07/2008. // ... Medal made by 'Firmin + Sons Ltd' established 1677. Medal as given to [owner] of Reading as thanks for contributions in the Land Army + Timber Corps, July 2008. [Owner] was born 14/03/1910 and died 18/02/2009. // The medal + certificates were found by council employees when clearing out her possession after she passed away. The earlier certificate represents thanks for the same reasons and was found with the others. [Owner] was for many year Head Gardener at St. George's Hall, University of Reading.'
Production date
1950 - 2008
Object name
Material
Dimensions
- Length 30 mm
- Width 41 mm
- Depth 7 mm
- Length 65 mm
- Width 67 mm
- Height 25 mm
- Length 210 mm
- Width 148 mm
- Length 241 mm
- Width 190 mm
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\Documents\Scans\2009_7_doc_01.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\Documents\Scans\2009_7_doc_02.tif - High resolution image
