´óÏó´«Ã½

I was 17 years old when I came to Wooler to join the land army from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on 23rd. May 1942. We lived in a 60-bed hostel, with showers, dormitories and beds. Mrs.Gray was the warden in charge of the hostel.
Wooler had German and Italian prisoners of war, and was full of other foreigners.
Fourberry Mear Farm required Land Army girls to farm the land & feed the cattle and sheep. We stored grain — it all had to be carried by hand.
There was an airfield called ‘Millfield’ outside Wooler. One winters night there was a loud explosion. An aircraft had hit a wall, and killed the pilot. The debris from the plane was still being found years later.
The American forces had more money than the English soldiers and were more generous with the girls. We were very fit, with the physical work. We had to be in by 10 p.m. and rise by 6 a.m.. Food was very basic — potatoes, mince, veg — some farms fed us with turnips & ham.
I was not really aware of the war because of my youth. It was a very happy time of my life. I stayed in Wooler and have been there since 1942. I am 80 years of age.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.