When war was declared in 1939, Britain was almost completely dependent on imported timber – but only had seven months of it stockpiled. Timber was critical to the war effort: it was needed for everything from aircraft and shipbuilding to communications and coal mining. The British timber trade was in trouble. Enter the Lumberjills. Lacking in both men and timber, the government made a choice. Reluctantly, they opened lumber work for women to apply – and apply they did. The Women’s Timber Corps had thousands of members who would prove themselves as strong and as smart as any man: they felled and crosscut trees by hand, operated sawmills, and ran whole forestry sites. They may not have been on the front line, but they fought their own battles on the home front for respect and equality. And in the midst of heavy labour and wartime, they lived a life, making firm friends and even finding soulmates. In Lumberjills, researcher Joanna Foat tells their story for the first time, and gives them the recognition they so truly deserve.
Publisher: The History Press Ltd
ISBN: 9780750990905
Dimensions: 234 x 156 mm
Funny, frightening, romantic, exciting adventures are woven into this detailed account of overcoming entrenched, sexist attitudes, whilst keeping Britain from running out of timber which was so vital to the war... More
An incredible book delving into the forgotten world of Lumberjills during the second world war. Joanna Foat is able to beautifully weave together the personal stories of the Lumberjills and their lived experience of... More
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