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How Women's Land Army veterans can get the recognition they deserve - Benn

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref :19/08) issued by The Government News Network on 28 January 2008

Female war veterans can from today (Monday 28 January) apply to have their efforts recognised as applications open for a new badge of recognition.

The badge will acknowledge those surviving members of the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps who worked on the Home Front to provide food and timber for the nation during World War I and II.

Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, said:

"It is absolutely right that we at last recognise the selfless efforts these women made to support the nation through the dark days of World War I and II. This badge is a fitting way to pay tribute to their determination, courage and spirit in the face of adversity. I hope that as many eligible women as possible will apply for one."

Application forms are now available for anyone who believes that they may be eligible for a badge.

Notes to editors

1) The application form is available on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/working/wla/

Requests for application forms can be made by post or telephone to

Mr Dermot McInerney
Defra
5E Millbank
c/o 17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

Defra helpline 08459 33 55 77

2) Badges will be awarded to surviving members as of 6 December 2007. Badges will not be able to be awarded to spouses or families of deceased members except where death has occurred after 6 December 2007.

3) Applicants will need to supply date of birth, approximate dates of service in the Women's Land Army or Women's Timber Corps and the location at which they were stationed.

Public enquiries 08459 335577;

If you are a journalist calling out of hours please call the Defra duty number on 020 7270 8960

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