Jean Robinson (née Cook)
General Information
First Name(s): Jean Barbara
Unmarried Surname: Cook
Married Surname: Robinson
Date of Birth: 21.2.1926
Place of Birth: Oldbury, Birmingham
Date joined WLA: 3.12.1943
Date left: 2.12.1948
Previous occupation: Child nanny and milk maid.
WLA number: 349042
Reasons for joining: Already a milk maid on the farm. A woman from the WLA met with her and advised her to join.
Family’s reaction to joining: Very proud, older sister was serving in the Wrens.
Reasons for leaving: Family moved back to Birmingham.
Employment
Pre-work training: Worked as a milk maid for approximately 12 months.
Employed by: Private farmer, Toward Hill Farm, Toward, Dunoon. Whilst she mainly worked at one farm she and other Land Girls would, if needed, work on other farms. This would be a decision made on a day to day basis. She said that when she joined the Land Army she no longer had to wear her own clothes and had a uniform plus she had her wages increased.
Type of work undertaken: Milk maid, bringing in cows, driving tractor, planting crops, picking crops, rat catching in the barn – any and all general farm work.
Accommodation
Mom mentions [the hostel] Duke of Argyle hunting lodge. The only place I can find is Dalchena House.
Life after the war
Did they return back to their pre-war occupation? Yes to Birmingham, father was a postman prior to the war, because he served in World War One in the navy, he re- enrolled and served in World War Two and was based in Dunoon.
What was their occupation after the war? Jean had only just finished school prior to World War Two and worked as a child nanny and milk maid. Returning to Birmingham after the war Jean became a bus conductress.
Did they stay on the land? No.
How did work in the WLA affect their life? Jean is extremely proud of her time in the WLA, she speaks of her time in it often. Even though the work was long and hard she did enjoy her time serving.
Any outstanding events or achievements in WLA or in later life? Attended recognition of service at Birmingham town hall honoured by representative of Queen Elizabeth II in 2008. She also received certificate from the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown and her Women’s Land Army badge.
Contributor Information
Name: Gilda Richards
Relationship to Land Girl: Daughter
