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I was born in Hull and was 14 when war broke out. When I was 16 I saw the posters saying “Join the Land Army”. I couldn’t wait to join, but had to wait till I was 17. When I finally signed up I was thrilled to bits with the uniform, without having a clue where I was going, or knowing anything about farming.

I was sent to Hill Top Farm, North Grimston, near Malton. I soon learned milking cows and feeding calves. It was mainly manual work resulting in plenty of blisters. The work was especially hard at hay time and harvest. I used to fall asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow. I loved the farm; it was home from home as Mrs Holnby was a lovely cook. I remember we ate well. I was very happy there even though I was a townie and had never been on a farm before in my life.

I even met my future husband there. He was a tractor driver and had been in farming ever since he left school. I will never forget my time in the Land Army. It was a great life. I am 81 years old now, living in sheltered housing, and a widow, but I still have my war time memories.

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