Marking the contribution women made in our World Wars

A couple of years ago, the Government launched a badge that all military veterans could wear with pride as a small way of marking their sacrifice for our country.

Now, the scheme has been expanded to include the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps who worked on the Home Front providing food and wood during the First and Second World Wars while many of the men who had been the agricultural labour force were away fighting.

During World War I as many as 260,000 women were enlisted as farm labourers as part of the Women's Land Army - and in retrospect this was almost as significant an event in advancing the equal treatment and respect of women as the Suffrage Movement that gained ground in the 1910s and 1920s.

I fully share the views of Environment Secretary Hilary Benn who, when launching the scheme at the end of last month 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. If you or a member of your family would like to apply, you can download an application form here, or by writing to:

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

or by phoning the DEFRA helpline on 08459 33 55 77. You or your family member just need to provide date of birth, approximate dates of service and the location at which they were stationed.