Memories of Service 5 - Joan Butland

Joan Butland forged her father’s signature to join the Women’s Land Service. Her parents had already stopped her from becoming a nurse, so nothing was going to get in her way this time. Coming from a farm, her transition to the service was easy. But at just 17, her slight frame raised eyebrows among burly farmers, especially when it came to harnessing horses and driving four-horse teams. Butland shows pride in her home front contribution to World War ll in this interview, although in common with other former Land Girls it was only formally recognised in 2015.

He wanted a strong woman who could harness and drive a four-horse team and a wagon. So they asked me if I’d take it on and I said yes.

– Joan Butland

Key Cast & Crew

David Blyth

Director, Interviewer, Producer

Patricia Stroud

Producer, Research

Jed Town

Composer

Edward Larsen

Editor

Stephen Latty

Camera, Sound