Published: Tuesday, 29th July, 2008 10:15
Land girl accolade for special Marjorie
By Andrew Gibson
Print Article
Marjorie with her medal and certificate
Pic by: Petra Boyce
A FORMER land girl who helped keep the country supplied with food during the Second World War has been recognised for her efforts — 66 years after beginning her duties.
Marjorie Macdonald joined the Women’s Land Army (WLA) in 1942 and volunteered to drive a tractor and carry out other farming duties for three years during the war.
The Balloch woman was finally rewarded for her efforts with a certificate signed by Gordon Brown and a special badge last week.
A delighted Marjorie, who carried out her duties close to her hometown of Leeds, told the Reporter that her honour is lovely.
She said: “I developed an eye problem while working at swimming baths — then a doctor told me to get an outdoor occupation.
“I volunteered to be a tractor driver and went to Skipton in Yorkshire to be taught how to drive one.
“I hadn’t ploughed before, I was a city girl but I took to it like a duck to water.
“I was called a flyer because I used to deliver the tractor vaporising oil to the other girls in the fields.
“It was a very good three years in every way.”
Marjorie — who took part in ploughing competitions during her time in the WLA — was also expected to collect hay in the Summer months and plant root vegetables. The self confessed organiser enjoyed living in a country manor house with the other land girls and was determined to have fun while they were there.
After completing her service in the WLA, Marjorie, married her Scottish boyfriend Ronnie in a cathedral in Leeds wearing a beautiful wedding gown donated to her from an American woman — a common practice during rationing.
After living in Fort William and Leeds, and eventually divorcing Ronnie, Marjorie moved to Scotland and ended up in Balloch in 1988.
The former Scottish country dancer from Yorkshire is now more than happy with her home on the Bonnie Banks.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
Bonhill wind farm plans move step closer