During WWII, young women in Britain, part of the Women's Timber Corps, defied gender norms by engaging in heavy forestry work, traditionally held by men. They numbered between 15,000 to 18,000, making significant contributions to the war effort by felling trees, operating sawmills, and transporting timber. Author Joanna Foat spent years uncovering photographs showcasing their strength and camaraderie. Despite performing the same tasks as men, these women earned less than half the pay. The images capture a pivotal moment in history where women’s capabilities were highlighted, changing societal perceptions about gender roles.
Finding a large stash of photos felt like Christmas. Many show women having such fun working out in the forests doing exactly the same jobs as the men. They became physically very strong.
Heather Harries wrote home to tell her parents about her first 24 hours at Wetherby Timber Training Camp. There seems to be an overwhelming amount to tell you!
The women could fell 10-tonne trees, carry logs like weight-lifters, work in dangerous sawmills, drive huge timber trucks and calculate timber production figures on which the government depended during wartime.
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