1-153-275 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Women's Land Army lifting a crop, World War II, 1940. The Women's Land Army was established to meet the demand for agricultural labour caused by the absence of male farm workers on active service and the need to boost domestic food production in the face of the reduction in imports due to German attacks on shipping. Over 80,000 women volunteered for the Women's Land Army. Among the many skills these young women, often city girls, learned was tractor driving.