- From
- 27 July 1942
- To
- 31 December 1945
- Occupations
- Services organisation
Summary
On 27 July 1942, the Australian Women's Land Army (AWLA) was established as a national organisation, reporting to the Director-General of Manpower. The aim of the AWLA was to replace the male farm workers who had either enlisted in the armed services or were working in other essential war work such as munitions. The AWLA was not an enlisted service, but rather a voluntary group whose members were paid by the farmer, rather than the government or military forces. Membership of the AWLA was open to women who were British subjects and between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Housed in hostels in farming areas, members were given formal farming instruction and were initially supplied with uniform, bedding etc. Members were not engaged in domestic work rather they undertook most types of work involved with primary industries. The organisation was to be formally constituted under the National Security Regulations, but a final draft of the National Security (Australian Women's Land Army) Regulations was not completed until 1945, and did not reach the stage of promulgation due to cessation of hostilities and the decision to demobilize the Land Army. [1] A 'Land Army' was established in each state and administered that state's rural needs, though some members were sent interstate when available. In September 1945 it was decided that complete demobilization of the Australian Women's Land Army would take effect not later than 31 December 1945.
Sources used to compile this entry: Hardisty, Sue (ed.) (ed.), Thanks girls and goodbye : the story of the Australian Women's Land Army 1942-45, Viking O'Neil, Ringwood, Vic, 1990, 231 pp; [1] Agency notes for CA 4304 National Archives of Australia..
My mother was in the land army in NSW , her sister who was in it for only a very short time was registered in the National Archives of Aust but when I searched records for my mother there is no record of her.Her name was Joan Eleanor Larney
Maureen Cone - 21 June 2010, 8:21 PM EST
Did you speak with anyone at the NAA? Sometimes they can advise of different ways to search for material.
AWAP Administrator - 24 June 2010, 1:05 PM EST
Can anyone tell me if these Women are Eligible for any form of Compensation from DVA for injuries suffered while a AWLA Member ?
Les - 30 August 2010, 6:49 PM EST
I'm writing a novel which incorporates Women's Land Army experiences during WW2. In particular, I'm looking at Biloela and the cotton farm there where WLA girls worked during the war. Is there anyone out there I could talk to who worked there, or worked anywhere in Queensland? I live in Brisbane. Any anecdotes from Australai wide experiences could also be useful, even if they're second hand.
Rosemary Wright
Rosemary Wright - 10 October 2010, 4:02 PM EST
Rosemary, hopefully someone will respond to your call for help
AWAP Administrator - 11 October 2010, 10:02 AM EST
I am trying to find out when and where my mother was "in" the WA Women's Land Army. Can you suggest a contact or website where I can find this info out. Many thanks. Vicki Tan
Vicki Tan - 3 December 2010, 9:04 PM EST
You should try the research centre at the Australian War Memorial. They may be able to provide a starting point for research for you.
AWAP Administrator - 6 December 2010, 3:11 PM EST
Dear Rosemary,
I have had advice from someone who would prefer not to be identified. Julie Engdahl (or Engdale, as she was in the Women's Land Army) definitely worked at Biloela. She is still with us and she should be traceable through the Sydney phone book. The source would appreciate it if you tell her you found her through the Land Army Association. She's quite hard of hearing.
Via the administrator - 5 January 2011, 5:26 PM EST
I am trying to find info for my family tree. I think my auntie, Gloria Dawn O'Donnell (married name Lundman) could have been in the Land Army. I have a photo of her in uniform, probably in N.S.W. She would have been in her early 20's, around late 1940's to early 1950's. Any help would be great.
Kerry Cooper - 10 February 2011, 4:57 PM EST
Hello My mother was in the land army around the Swansea area, Tasmania during the war. Are there any records available?
Thankyou
Maree Baker - 26 February 2011, 9:57 AM EST
my mother was in the land army and was staioned in warrnambool and lake bolac in victoria, is there anywhere i can find out more about her service
phil o'keefe - 26 February 2011, 7:40 PM EST
My grandmother was in the land army in south australia. If you would like her stories to add please contact me via this website.
Lee-Anne cartledeg - 28 February 2011, 11:28 AM EST
Maree and Phil, You need to contact the Australian War memorial Research Centre directly. You have contacted the Australian Women's Register.
AWAP Administrator - 28 February 2011, 11:51 AM EST
My Nan was in the AWLA and got stationed in Mundubbera at a citrus farm where she met their grandson and married him, her name was Thora May Davis if anyone has photos or stories to add to my family tree research that would be great!
Kelly Lewis - 6 June 2011, 10:54 AM EST
My mother Dorothy Weise nee Wilson passed away 9 June 2011 was in Land Army in Victoria before moving to Queensland. I would appreciate any information on her army days.
Norma Voll - 17 June 2011, 4:29 PM EST
I work for the Office of Australian War Graves and often get requests for permission to use Service badges on private commemorations. I have recently been asked to provide permission to use the Womens Land Army emblem on a grave. Can you tell me 1 if you have an emblem and 2 who would give permission for it's use. I am enquiring on behalf of a deceased member (Marie Emily Thatcher N22F2224529). I look forward to your response
Kerry Russell - 8 July 2011, 3:16 PM EST
Kerry, you need to contact the Australian War Memorial research centre directly. This is a register of information about women and their organisations.
AWAP Administrator - 14 July 2011, 3:49 PM EST
My mother Audrey Joyce Malcom was in the AWLA in W.A. I have a photo for her in uniform and would like to find her registration details for my family tree how can I find this info?
Helen Demark - 23 October 2011, 9:44 PM EST
Hi i have been looking for a photo of my great aunt in her uniform but have come up with nothing through the family i was wondering whether you could help. She has past away this year and have been left her medals and would like photo of in uniform to frame,Her name at the time was Noeline Josephine Healey , Born 11/11/1924. If you could point me in the right direction would be good thank you.
Jamie Lavercombe - 29 November 2011, 11:39 AM EST
Jamie, try the Australian War Memorial Research Centre in Canberra.
AWAP Administrator - 15 December 2011, 12:03 PM EST
My aunt was in the Land Army during WW2, I think in NSW. Her name then was Marna Lines. Any information about her would be great.
Anne Delaney - 31 January 2012, 11:44 AM EST