Gladys Stokes (née Turbutt)
“My Land Army days started when I, my sister and many other girls where billeted at the White House in Little Bourton. After a short time the water ran out as we were on well water. We were split in half, one half went to Bicester the other half stayed in Banbury. The group photograph is the group that went to Bicester myself included. The front row sitting next to me on the end is my friend who I still keep in touch with. Unlike the films, we wore dungarees and milking coats for work. Uniform was for dress only.” Gladys Stokes (née Turbutt), WLA 117189.
General Information
First Name(s): Gladys
Unmarried Surname: Turbutt
Married Surname: Stokes
Date of Birth: 19.11.1925
Date of Death: 2016
Date Joined WLA: 15.6.1943
Date Left WLA: 27.09.1945
WLA number: 117189
Previous occupation: Seamstress
Reasons for joining: To help the war effort and to support her sister who also joined the WLA.
Family’s reaction to joining: Well received
Employment
Worked on a farm in Little Boughton, Bicester, Oxfordshire. Lived in White House, Little Boughton and WLA Hostel, Bucknell Road. Worked with sister Doris Turbutt and Ada Wilson. Met other Land Girls at a WLA gathering at the Royal Albert Hall.
Life after the war
What was their occupation after the war?: Seamstress and housewife.
Did they stay on the land? No, but was a very keen gardener.
How did work in the WLA effect their life? Keen to make do and mend and not to waste food.
Contributor Information
Name: Yvonne Coe, daughter.
