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I was 16 years old and as a Land Army girl I took over the care of the cattle. I remember my father only allowing me to be in the Land Army, and wouldn’t let my sister join up.

I can remember my breeches and stockings up to my knees, a green woolly jumper with an emblem W.L.A and a felt hat with a brim.

I started around 5am every morning, dressed in my uniform, to begin milking the cows. When the churns were full I would pull them on a trolly to the end of the gate for collection from the creamery.

The bull was kept on the farm to produce calves. He was kept in a loose box, with a yard attached — which helped to keep his hoofs in good condition. All the calves had to be fed individually and they were kept in little pens. The older heifers were kept in a field, and I used to collect the kale to feed the heifers. I was given the Queens Badge at the end of the war and remember having to go to London to the Mansion House. I was very excited at this prospect. We were treated very well and had a lovely meal, “making the most of the rations�

We also trained several other land girls to work with the cattle. We also helped making hay for the winter feed for all the livestock on the farm.

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