Hazel Beauchamp (née Jones)

General Information

First Name(s): Hazel

Unmarried Surname: Jones

Married Surname: Beauchamp, 1944 or 1945

Date of Birth: 17 June 1925

Place of Birth: Burnley, Lancashire

Employment

Worked somewhere in the south of England.

Gram always said she loved the work and was “happier than a pig in shit” and so proud just “out there driving my tractor.” I think she loved the independence, the autonomy, and likely the chance to really do something meaningful.

Accommodation

Living arrangement unknown. She did say there was a night that they were looking out the window into the blacked out world and just as she leaned in the house, an explosion sent shrapnel past her window.

Life after the war

After the war, she went to Canada as one of many British War Brides. They lived in Midland, Ontario (Penetanguishene) where my Aunt Lorna and my Dad, James, were born. Then moved to Welland, Ontario where my Uncle Donald was born. Gram lived in Welland until her death in 2008.

She said my grandfather was a very clean, well-kept, handsome Canadian and it was a war. You never knew if you’d live to see the next morning, so you didn’t fret over things. I think they grew apart over time, but during the war, she loved him enough. He ended up not being a very good husband (grumpy) and I think her choices were made for her when she fell pregnant with daughter Lynnette who was born in England. I doubt she would have bothered having a family if it hadn’t been for meeting a French Catholic Canadian.

“I think the WLA may well have been the highlight of her life and the proudest achievement. She always looked so proud when she spoke of it.“

Contributor Information

Name: Meghan Beauchamp

Relationship to Land Girl: Grand-daughter