大象传媒

In May 1940, I was 20 years old, and joined The Land Army. The Navy was my preference but I was considered too short. I was based at Woodchurch near Ashford in Kent. The day started at 4am when I cycled to work. On the farm I learnt milking, how to harness horses, and look after pigs and sheep. There was a large herd of sheep, which had to be sheared, and cared for during lambing. I also did bricklaying to repair the cowsheds. This was in the area designated Front Line Britain, which included The Isle of Sheppey through Sittingbourne down to Rye. Kent was the direct flight path of The Luftwaffe to and from London, and so we were very open to gun and bomb attack. The farm had three sets of Ack Ack and two search lights manned by the ATS, who were billeted in a local mansion. Kent was the likely landing zone for a German Invasion, so there was a lot of military activity. A succession of New Zealanders, Canadians and finally Americans were based locally. At least 20 Doodle Bugs were dropped nearby. During gun or bomb, attacks the sheep often stampeded and anyone near had to shelter in the nearest ditch.
The land Army only wore helmets when in the Dover area. Throughout the war, no cameras were permitted in Front Line Kent. Many details of life at that time can be found in the archives of the Kent Messenger. The food was reasonably good, including a quarter of a pint of milk a day, and some meat from the sheep.
It was not until 1994, that a commemorative medal was struck to remember the army, navy and civilian personnel who had served in Front Line Britain. This was organised by those who had taken part. They paid for the medals and any extra money raised was donated to charity. A reunion was arranged in Dover, which was attended by people from all over the world. Anyone who had worked in the area of Front Line Kent was eligible for the medal.

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