大象传媒

My name is Margaret (Peggy to my friends). I was born 31st July 1925.

I went into the Land Army when I was 17 years old, after previously working in the jam factory on Benton Road, Newcastle. I was posted to Colwell, near Hexham, Northumberland.

There were 40 girls, and we had to do all the work on the farm as all the men had been called up. The work was very hard and the hours long. We started very early and were still working late into the evening. The work included digging, planting and driving tractors.

Sometimes we would go into the village for the dances. The army would pick us up and take us in. Although the work was extremely hard, we had some great times. We were always laughing. The only thing I didn't like was picking turnips, because we had to pick them in the snow.

I had to come out when I was about 20 when I was diagnosed with a growth in the womb and was very poorly - I had to be resuscitated, and I received a letter from the Queen Mother, which my mother kept in a tin box. Regretably I don't have the letter now.

Although there was a war on, I think people were better than they are now. I enjoyed every minute in the Land Army, and I'm glad I never missed out. They were my happiest days as a teenager, and I have wonderful memories.

I always used to tell family and friends that I was a pilot in the war. Pile it here and pile it there - horses muck, that is, good for the crops!

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